PM: Maintains frequent contact with Putin

At the start of the Knesset's winter session Monday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to his relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in light of recent tension caused by the downing of the Russian plane.

"I maintain frequent and direct contact with President Putin, and I consider our friendly relations and mutual appreciation. It allows us to deal with complex and difficult challenges in our region. These relations are important for the security of Israel," the prime minister stated.

Netanyahu also addressed the situation in Syria and said that Israel keeps "working against Iran in Syria."

As for Israel's achievements, the prime minister added that "our foreign relations are unprecedented, hundreds of heads of state, ministers and senior members of parliament come to Israel every year."

"They admire our military and intelligence capabilities, they admire our economic and technological strength, we systematically nurture these strengths and they give us tremendous political power," Netanyahu went on to say.