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The show of unity during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Russia on Sept. 12 can’t paper over the sharp differences between the two countries over Syria. Independent Arabia reports that Moscow has prevented several Israeli strikes against Iranian proxies in the country. A number of Russian and pro-government Syrian media outlets have published similar reports claiming that Russian jets based at Khmeimim air base were called to intercept Israeli aircraft over Syria in late August and September.
In Sochi, Netanyahu stressed the close cooperation between the two countries. Yet even his words of praise alluded to thorny aspects in the relations. “Our personal relationship … prevented a collision between our countries,” Netanyahu said. “This is a very important element for the stability of the entire region.”
Why it matters: There are two obvious reasons for Russia to play a more active role preventing Israeli airstrikes in Syria. First, Moscow’s commitment to its ally Damascus takes a reputational blow every time Israel delivers a strike. Second is the memory of the Sept.17, 2018, incident in which Syrian air defenses responding to an Israeli attack accidentally downed a Russian Il-20 spy plane, killing all 15 people aboard. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed the incident on Israel’s “irresponsible behavior.”
A less visible reason is that the Israeli strikes hamper Russian efforts to attract potential investors for Syria’s reconstruction. Several airlines have stated their intent to resume flights to the Syrian capital. Some Russian companies have been weighing investment opportunities in the planned construction of a new airport terminal. Russian officials have reportedly asked Israel to refrain from future strikes in the area of Damascus airport to avoid disrupting the processes.
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