Sergey Shoygu
Photo: MCT
Russian defense minister to talk Iran with Lieberman
Sergey Shoygu to arrive in Israel for two-day visit where his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman and PM Netanyahu are expected to lay out red lines vis-a-vis Iranian presence in Syria, boost coordination to prevent accidental clashes with Russian military.
Russia’s Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu is set to arrive in Israel on Monday to kick off a two-day visit, marking the first time in years that a Russian official in his position has visited the country.
For Israel, the visit carries particular importance due to the key role Russia plays in the ongoing Syrian civil war.
Frequent trips by Israeli and Russian officials to their respective countries has ushered in a healthy security coordination arrangement that has thus far flourished between Jerusalem and Moscow and prevented prevented any clashes or accidental skirmishes occurring between the IDF and Russian military forces.
Russia’s Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu (Photo: Reuters)
With Israel’s continued operations in Syria, particularly against Hezbollah and an Iranian presence in the country, Jerusalem has a vested interest in harnessing and strengthening the coordination.
Israeli officials say that the sensitive strategic situation in the region obliges Israel to permanently maintain the synchronization with the Kremlin’s movements in the area.
Shoygu will meet with on Monday with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman and the next day with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
During both rounds of discussions, he is expected to hear Israel’s unequivocal opposition to attempts entrench Iranian forces or proxies in Syria, with the strongest objections raised to the creation of air, sea and land bases.
Israel will also reiterate for Shoygu its determination to prevent the Iranians from approaching the border and while stating that it will not allow for the transfer of advanced weapons to the Hezbollah terror group.
The day after Shoygu’s visit, Lieberman will take off for Washington to meet with US Defense Secretary James Mattis, with Iran occupying the bulk of their focus and President Trump’s announcement of a new policy review of the US’s approach to the Iranians and the situation in Syria.
