Russia urges Israel to investigate plane crisis further
Moscow's instructions come as Israel's air force commander lands in the Russian capital to brief officials on preliminary findings of ongoing investigation into Syria's accidental downing of Russian military plane following Israeli attack on Latakia.
Russia’s demands came on the heels of a visit to Moscow by an IDF delegation headed by the IAF’s Commander Amikam Norkin to explain what led to the deadly mishap which claimed 15 Russian lives.
According to a statement put out by the IDF before the meeting, Norkin and his delegation would present pictures to Russian officials showing the circumstances surrounding the incident, along with preliminary conclusions on the ongoing IDF investigation into the matter.
In addition, Norkin "will show Iran's continued attempts to transfer strategic weapons to Hezbollah and to its entrenchment in Syria."
Earlier on Wednesday, Russia published flying restriction orders limiting flights in Cypriot airspace and over the areas adjacent to Syria following the Syrian downing of the Russian Il-20 aircraft, which led to a diplomatic spat between Moscow and Jerusalem.
Syria's SANA news agency reported that Assad had sent a telegram to Moscow saying he was sorry about the death of Russian military servicemen, but blamed Israel for the downing.
"This unfortunate event is a consequence of Israel's arrogance, which always applies the ugliest methods to achieve its goals and implement its aggression in the area," Assad said in the telegram.
The Russian Defense Ministry denounced on Tuesday Israel’s “deliberate provocation” in its attack the previous day on Latakia, which it said placed the Russian plane in danger.
Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Yadlin, head of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and former head of Military Intelligence, said on Thursday the crisis was "very serious," and will limit Israel's "operational maneuverability" in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that Syrian forces were to blame for the incident, but he offered “all necessary information” to investigate the matter.
“The prime minister expressed regret on behalf of the state of Israel for the death of the Russian soldiers and said responsibility for downing the plane was placed on Syria,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement following their phone conversation.
Israel also said on Thursday it would not halt strikes on Syria but would do more to "deconflict" them with Russian forces, after Moscow accused it of "irresponsible and unfriendly actions" following the strike.
