Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Israel on Monday, for a 48-hour visit. Some senior analysts report that the visit to Israel is Putin’s fourth international visit since his reelection in May and this signals his realization of Israel’s importance in the international community.

The main working portion of the visit will be a meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, where the two will discuss a number of major issues, including Syria and Iran. The prime minister is expected to call upon Putin to remove his objections to stiffer economic sanctions against Tehran as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Just last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov released a statement that in order to make progress on the Iranian front, “it is necessary to refrain from constant threats of force”, explaining repeatedly stating the military option remains a viable option impedes efforts to move ahead on the diplomatic front.

The president was met by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and they traveled to Netanya for the dedication of a monument honoring the Red Army’s victory of the Nazis. Mr. Lieberman is filling in for the prime minister who recently injured his leg.

On the second day of the visit to the region, Putin heads to Beit Lechem to dedicate a Russian cultural center and then to Jordan for a visit with King Abdullah.

The media points out the visiting dignitary is arriving with a massive entourage of 400 people traveling in four planes. The president and the entourage have taken over Jerusalem’s Citadel Hotel along with renting rooms in other area hotels.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)