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Russian Defence Minister visits Israel

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Israel yesterday to meet his counterpart Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman.

Lieberman told Shoigu that “we greatly appreciate our relations with Russia,” adding that “we don’t always agree, but we always speak directly and openly. We believe that the moment there’s open dialogue, you can overcome all problems”.

Shoigu also met IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisnekot, head of IDF Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Herzl Halevi and the head of political-security affairs bureau of the Defence Ministry Zohar Palti.

Lieberman expressed Israel’s policy in Syria, saying that Israel is “operating responsibly and with determination” and that Israel “will not allow the transfer of advanced weaponry by Iran, through Syria to Lebanon”.

In past meetings between senior Israeli and Russian officials, Israel has attempted to demonstrate Iran’s increased involvement in Syria and how this may clash with Russian interests.

Israel maintains close coordination with Russia, and in August, outgoing head of the Israeli Air Force, Major-General Amir Eshel detailed the mechanisms the two countries have established in order to reduce the possibility of a serious confrontation between Israeli and Russian aircraft. He also revealed that Russian aircraft have entered Israeli airspace “many times” during the Syrian civil war.

However, security officials have expressed concern that Russia’s involvement in Syria may ultimately restrict Israel’s room for manoeuvre in implementing its red lines.

Shoigu, who was in Syria earlier this month and made a surprise stop in Iran last year, is on his first visit to Israel since taking up his position in 2012. He is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today.

Lieberman is expected to fly to Washington for meetings on Wednesday night where he will meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis.