Skip to main content

Netanyahu needs Trump on Syria, Iran, but he needs Putin, too

On the anniversary of the end of World War 2 and less than a week before the visit in Israel of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inaugurate a monument dedicated to the victims of Leningrad Siege during the Second World War, in Jerusalem, January 23, 2020. Amit Shabi/Pool via REUTERS - RC2OLE9I7X3F

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 8, ahead of the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. According to the communiqué issued by the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed on regular interaction and cooperation between the relevant Israeli and Russian agencies, including in research and development of a vaccine. They also discussed various aspects of recent developments in Syria.

The exchanges between Netanyahu and Putin on the occasion of WWII commemoration ceremonies have become routine in recent years. In 2018, Netanyahu was invited to watch the military parade in Moscow on that occasion, with his photo next to Putin making headlines in both countries. In January this year, the Russian president was invited to Israel for the ceremony commemorating 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz despite protests by Polish President Andrzej Duda over Israel preferring the Russian narrative on WWII events. The Kremlin's May 8 communiqué came back to that issue, stating, "The two leaders emphasized the fundamental importance of preserving the truth about the events of the Second World War and counteracting attempts to revise its results and falsify history.’’

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.