Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an unusual phone conversation on Saturday, according to a joint statement released by both the Kremlin and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Their discussion mainly centered on the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and recent developments across the region.
Talks on Ceasefire, Hostage Exchange and Regional Stability
The statement said the two leaders spent considerable time talking about how to enforce the ceasefire deal negotiated by US President Donald Trump. They also reviewed the progress of exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, which is part of the same agreement.
Beyond Gaza, Putin and Netanyahu discussed concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and explored steps to further stabilize Syria, where both nations hold strategic interests.
Conversation Requested by Moscow
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the call happened at Putin’s request. The Kremlin described the exchange as “a thorough exchange of views.”
Ongoing Dialogue Between the Two Leaders
This was not the first time the leaders spoke recently. The two had discussed similar regional issues last month, during which Putin reaffirmed Russia’s long-standing position “in favour of a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue.”
Their previous call also covered topics related to Iran and Syria. Another phone conversation between them took place in August.
Reports from various Israeli media outlets earlier suggested that Netanyahu’s office had been working closely with Russia on several matters. These included managing tensions between Washington and Moscow, particularly as Putin continued the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s Competing Gaza Resolution at the UN
The latest phone call also came soon after Russia submitted its own draft resolution on Gaza at the United Nations. The move was perceived as a direct challenge to the US, which had been trying to gain approval for its own version of a Security Council text supporting the US-brokered Gaza agreement.
In a note sent to UN Security Council members, Russia’s mission said its “counter-proposal is inspired by the US draft,” according to Reuters. The note added that the aim was “to develop a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”
Details of the Russian Draft
The Russian document, which Reuters reviewed, urged the UN Secretary-General to explore options for creating an international stabilization force for Gaza. Notably, the draft does not refer to the “Board of Peace” that the US has suggested as a temporary governing body for Gaza.
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