Netanyahu Says Friendship With Putin Important For Israel's Security

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he valued his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and considered good relation with the Russian leader important for Israel's security.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2018) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he valued his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and considered good relation with the Russian leader important for Israel's security.

Moscow-Tel Aviv relations were put to test following the fatal crash of the Russian Il-20 plane that the Russian Defense Ministry holds the Israeli Air Force responsible for. Since the incident, the two leaders have held at least three phone talks. After the latest phone discussion, Netanyahu said that Putin was ready to meet him in person. Moscow did not rule out the possibility of a summit, but said the date was not agreed yet.

"I constantly maintain direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin and highly value our friendly relations and mutual respect.

It allows us to overcome the most difficult challenges in our region. This contact is important for Israel's security," Netanyahu said at the opening session of the Israeli parliament.

The Il-20 was downed near Syria on September 17 by a missile launched by Syria's S-200 air defense system. The Russian Defense Ministry said that Israeli jets that were carrying out airstrikes against the Syrian province of Latakia at the time of the incident used the Il-20 as a shield against the Syrian air defense systems. According to the ministry, Israel notified Russia of its operation only a minute before the attack.

Israel has refuted the accusations and insisted that Moscow had been warned about the air operation in a timely manner.