Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his government’s weekly cabinet meeting, referred to the growing tension on Israel’s northern border, warning Iran not to test Jerusalem’s resolve. The Israeli leader reiterated that while Israel is not seeking an escalation with Iran, it will not be deterred to continue with determination to thwart the Islamic Republic’s entrenchment in Israel’s northern neighbor, Syria. Netanyahu noted that following a scheduled trip to Nicosia to discussed Israel’s energy cooperation with Greece and Cyprus; he will travel to Moscow to participate in a parade that marks the Soviet Victory-Day over Nazi Germany. During his trip to Moscow, the Prime Minister will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to discuss – among others – the latest developments in Syria as well as the nuclear agreement with Iran.”I will meet with Russian President Putin in Moscow and will participate in the parade to mark Victory Day over Nazi Germany. Meetings with the Russian President are always important for the security of Israel and the coordination between the IDF and the Russian military. Israel maintains full freedom of action to defend itself. All of our meetings are important, but this week’s meeting is especially important in light of Iran’s increasing efforts to establish a military presence in Syria against Israel. In recent months, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards organization has transferred to Syria advanced weaponry in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front, including weaponized UAVs, ground-to-ground missiles and Iranian anti-aircraft batteries that would threaten air force jets. We are determined to block Iran’s aggression against us even if this means a struggle. Better now than later. Nations that were unprepared to take timely action to counter murderous aggression against them paid much heavier prices afterwards. We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” Netanyahu said.
A senior Israeli official told TV7 that Netanyahu will try to convince Putin that the Iranian entrenchment in Syria also hurts Russia’s interests. Netanyahu will present Israel’s concerns regarding Iranian arms shipments of long-range missiles and air defense systems into Syria. Furthermore, the Israeli leader will also present to the Russian president the Iranian nuclear archive that was revealed by Israel last week.