Netanyahu’s References to Iran’s Role Near Israeli Border in Meeting with Putin
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, met and held talks with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, on Wednesday in Moscow.
According to Reuters, Mr. Netanyahu said in Moscow: “A few hours ago, a drone entered Israeli airspace from Syria. The drone was successfully targeted and shot down, and we want to emphasize that we will prevent any attempt to violate our airspace and territorial integrity.”
Earlier, Ofir Gendelman, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister for Arab-language media who accompanied Benjamin Netanyahu to Moscow, told the Persian service of Voice of America that his country fully preserves its right to defend itself against threats from Tehran.
He told Voice of America that the focus of the Israeli Prime Minister’s discussions with Vladimir Putin is the situation in Syria and Iran’s efforts to establish a military presence in the country.
This is the second time in less than two weeks that Israel has stated that its Patriot missiles have targeted a drone.
Israel says the drone, which apparently also flew over Jordan and appears to have been unarmed with a spy function, was shot down in the foothills of the Golan Heights.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a staunch critic of Iran’s actions in the region and seeks an end to Iran’s military presence in Syria.
Israeli fighter jets have repeatedly targeted Iranian positions and ammunition depots on Syrian territory.
Some media outlets have noted the timing of this visit coinciding with the visit of Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Velayati will also meet with Russia’s President.
Media had previously reported that Russia, at Israel’s request, had called for the withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria.
Source: Voice of America
