Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking him to hold off selling Iran the advanced S-300 missile system. The phone conversation took place about three weeks ago.

The $800 million surface-to-air weapons deal was frozen years ago as a result of US and Israeli pressure on Moscow. The advanced system would pose a significant challenge for the Israel Air Force as it would give Iran far improved anti-aircraft capabilities. Senior air force commanders have already commented on the system falling in the hands of Israel’s enemies, stating that while such a reality is a most unwanted one, the IAF can meet the challenge and deal with such an eventuality if required to do so.

An Iranian delegation recently visited Moscow to discuss completing the deal and the Russian have indicated a willingness to deliver a different advanced anti-aircraft system but the Iranians are unwilling to accept a replacement.

When he learned of the deal, PM Netanyahu contacted Putin and the prime minister is activating political channel in an effort to thwart the deal again, as he did three years earlier.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)