Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again discussed the situation in the Middle East during a telephone conversation this Friday (November 15). According to a Kremlin statement, the two leaders discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, ceasefire negotiations, Iran’s nuclear program and the search for stability in Syria.
In a memo, the Russian government said there had been a “deep exchange of views” on the region. The focus was on the status of negotiations between Israel and Hamas after the start of implementation of the armistice agreement signed on October 9th. The peace plan was brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Gaza ceasefire and exchange of detainees
Moscow said President Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assessed progress on the first phase of the agreement, which provides for a temporary ceasefire and exchange of detainees. After months of fighting renewed pressure for a permanent settlement for the Palestinian enclaves, the ceasefire agreement entered into force on October 10th.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Egypt on October 6, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Turkiye.
Stability in Iran and Syria
Another highlight of the Russia-Israel conversation was Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel considers the biggest threat to its security and which is also closely monitored by the Russian government, which maintains strategic ties with Tehran.
The Kremlin did not provide details about the content of the talks, but said the issue was addressed “in the context of regional security.”
The two leaders also discussed measures to “advance stabilization in Syria” where Russia and Israel are conducting military operations. Now, Russia is trying to maintain its new relationship with Damascus. In October, President Putin welcomed Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a meeting marked by strategic realignment after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Israel continues to carry out frequent attacks against Iranian and Hezbollah positions.
Second conversation in just over a month
This was the second telephone conversation between President Putin and Prime Minister Netanyahu in just over a month. On October 6, the two leaders had already discussed progress in negotiations for a possible ceasefire in Gaza. On this occasion, President Putin reiterated Russia’s support for a “comprehensive and based on international law” solution to the Palestinian issue.
The same issue was discussed on that phone call.
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