Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on July 28 (local time), focusing on recent developments in the Middle East. According to information from the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed the situation in Syria and the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran.
Mr. Putin emphasized the need to maintain Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity. The Russian leader affirmed Moscow's commitment to a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region. He also proposed Russia's role in promoting dialogue between Israel and Iran following a series of tensions between the two countries.
Since the end of last year, Israel has expanded its presence in Syria beyond the Golan Heights by blocking hostile forces from approaching its borders. Earlier this month, the Israel Defense Forces launched several airstrikes against the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus, saying they protected the Druze community in southern Syria.
Immediately afterwards, Netanyahu and Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa - former commander of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Hoi giao force - reached a ceasefire mediated by the US.
In the context of the recent Israel-Iran conflict, Russia is one of the few countries that immediately contacted both Israel and Iran to ease tensions and propose reached reached for reaching a reached reached reached for the parties involved.
During the phone call, the two leaders also agreed to continue maintaining dialogue on important bilateral and international issues.
