Following an Israeli attack on an Iranian target in the Latakia region on the night of September 17, 2018, a Syrian SA-5 anti-aircraft battery struck a Russian reconnaissance plane, which crashed into the sea, killing its crew of 15. The Russian Ministry of Defense formulated an official version for the media, in which it accused Israel of “irresponsibility” and “provocation,” and of “hiding” Israeli F-16 planes behind the Russian Il-20. Although President Putin softened the Russian response and called the incident “a chain of tragic errors” and confirmed that Syria had downed the plane, he continued to support the positions expressed by the Ministry of Defense. The subject was widely covered in Russian government-controlled media outlets, and evoked sweeping anti-Israel commentary and calls for revenge, punishment, and sanctions.

The Israeli version of events, as was expressed by the IDF spokesperson (who departed from traditional policy and confirmed the Israeli action in Syria), expressed regret at the loss of life but placed the blame squarely on Syria, which shot down the plane (when Israeli planes were already back in Israeli territory) and on Iran, which is active in Syria. This version was substantiated by a detailed report delivered by Israeli Air Force (IAF) Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin in his visit to Moscow. Shortly afterwards, however, the Russian Ministry of Defense backed its own narrative with a video presentation. This was followed by an announcement about the transfer of S-300 systems to Syria.

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