Israeli Defense Minister Praises Russia's Understanding of Its Needs in Syria

Israel appreciates Moscow's understanding of its security interests, including those in Syria, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said after his meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday.

"Just finished the meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. The State of Israel appreciates Russia’s understanding of its needs in the area of security, especially in relation to the situation at our northern borders," Lieberman wrote on Twitter.

Israel would continue its dialogue with Russia on various issues, Lieberman added.

The statement was made after on Tuesday Israel had reportedly agreed with Russia that forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad would be deployed near the Israeli northern borders. In exchange, Russia reportedly promised to ensure that the Syrian pro-government troops deployed near the Israeli-Syrian border would not include Iranian forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement.

However, on Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that he was unaware of any such agreement between Russia and Israel.
  sputniknews.com
 31/5/18