Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Moscow on Wednesday, hailing the friendly ties between the two nations. While welcoming Rivlin in the Kremlin, Putin noted that nearly 1.5 million Israeli citizens have origins in Russia and other former Soviet nations, which helps drive Russia and Israel closer. He said he also expects to meet soon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional security issues. After Russia launched its air campaign in Syria on Sept. 30, it coordinated with Israel to prevent any possible incidents between the Russian and Israeli militaries. Putin on Monday ordered the withdrawal of most Russian warplanes from Syria, voicing hope that this would contribute to the success of peace talks in Geneva. A senior Israeli official said Rivlin "asked that Russia work to restore UNDOF [the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force] as part of any long-term arrangement in Syria." Personnel from UNDOF, the United Nations peacekeeping force that monitors the Israeli-Syrian border on the Golan Heights, have come under fire and even been kidnapped by militants fighting Syrian President Bashar Assad, prompting peacekeeping contingents from some participating nations to withdraw from the force. The Israeli official said Rivlin also reiterated Israel's red line that "it will not allow Iran or Hezbollah guerrillas to entrench on the Golan." Putin said decisively that Russia was committed to Israel's security. Rivlin, whose role is largely ceremonial, conferred with Netanyahu before departing for Moscow. According to the Israeli official, Putin also inquired about a solution to the Palestinian issue. Rivlin responded that in the Middle East there are no shortcuts, and that there is a place for initial trust-building steps. Rivlin pointed to the problem that in contrast to the past, many Palestinians today see Hamas as a solution. "President Putin spoke candidly and clearly about his intentions, and President Rivlin will pass the message on to the prime minister," the official said. He added that "Rivlin felt a great deal of admiration for Israel from Russian President Putin." Immediately following the meeting, Rivlin updated Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. On Tuesday, the Russian deputy ambassador to Israel said the countries would continue their military coordination on Syria. "We will also do everything so that Israel's national security interests are not harmed in the process," the envoy, Alexey Drobinin, said. Rivlin opened his visit to Russia by visiting the grave of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow's Red Square, where he was welcomed and escorted by an honor guard as he palced a wreath in the colors of the Israeli flag on the grave. The Russian military orchestra played "Hatikvah," Israel's national anthem. Afterward, Rivlin and his wife, Nechama, visited the Russian State Library, where they were shown original texts from the 15th and 16th centuries, Jewish prayer books, and more.
Credit: Reuters
