ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Saturday, discussing a range of issues, including Syria, according to the Kremlin.
Both leaders held a “detailed exchange of views” on the latest developments in the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas ceasefire over Gaza. They also touched on “the state of affairs surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, and issues concerning encouragement of further stabilisation in Syria,” read a statement from the Kremlin.
Netanyahu’s office noted that the phone call was initiated by Putin.
The conversation “was in continuation of a series of conversations that have preceded it recently, and which dealt with regional issues,” it said in a short statement.
Putin has tried to maintain a neutral position on the Israel and Palestinian Hamas Movement war, but his actions and rhetoric have reportedly leaned toward the Palestinian side.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire last month, bringing an end to their two-year war — thanks to US pressure.
The statements from the Kremlin and Netanyahu’s office did not elaborate on their conversation on Syria and Iran, but both countries matter to the two leaders. Iran is a regional ally of Russia, while it is an arch enemy of Israel.
In relation to Syria, Russia was a key backer of Bashar al-Assad’s regime until its collapse in December. Moscow is now rebuilding relations with the interim government in Damascus, led by its former adversaries. Israel, once a foe of Assad’s regime, has yet to repair its ties with the neighboring country despite US intervention.