A fascinating and volatile drama has been unfolding in recent weeks around the intrigue that begins in Jerusalem and winds through Moscow, Damascus, Beirut, Ankara, Tehran and Canberra. Israel, Russia, Turkey, Australia and Iran are the key players, while Syria and Lebanon have supporting roles. To the players in the field, the game is reminiscent of a regional chessboard with a lot more than two contestants.

It all began with an official state visit that Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was supposed to have made to Australia on March 17. The visit was scheduled via direct contacts between Jerusalem and Canberra. Israel and Australia enjoy a close, warm relationship, and the Australian government officials were very excited for the visit of the popular Israeli president. They cleared their schedules for him, and one high-level government official even canceled a planned trip abroad.

But then, it emerged that Rivlin was suddenly canceling his visit. The reason: At the moment, Russian President Vladimir Putin is more important to Israel’s security interests. Simultaneously with Israel’s contacts with Australia, the Israeli Foreign Ministry had also been sending out feelers to the Kremlin regarding a possible visit to Russia. After the visit with the Australians had already been secured, the Russians put forward the same date. Rivlin had to decide whether to stick with the Australia trip or insult the Australians in favor of the Russian one.

This dilemma involved very sensitive security strategic interests, and they were raised in a special meeting between Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week. Netanyahu personally made it clear to Rivlin that there was no choice: A visit to Moscow was absolutely imperative at this time.