(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 24 Iyar, is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for a first time since the international community attributed major aerial attacks in Syria to Israel. Jerusalem has not accepted responsibility for attacks, which reportedly eliminated Iranian rockets, weapons and ammunition, as well as setting Syria’s nuclear ambitions back many years. Attacks also reportedly caused the deaths of Iranian soldiers.

Speaking to reporters at the start of the cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu stated, “On Wednesday I will meet with Russian President Putin in Moscow and will participate in the parade to mark Victory Day over Nazi Germany. Meetings with the Russian President are always important for the security of Israel and the coordination between the IDF and the Russian military. Israel maintains full freedom of action to defend itself. All of our meetings are important, but this week’s meeting is especially important in light of Iran’s increasing efforts to establish a military presence in Syria against Israel.

“In recent months, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards organization has transferred to Syria advanced weaponry in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front, including weaponized UAVs, ground-to-ground missiles and Iranian anti-aircraft batteries that would threaten air force jets.

“W e are determined to block Iran’s aggression against us even if this means a struggle. Better now than later. Nations that were unprepared to take timely action to counter murderous aggression against them paid much heavier prices afterwards. We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario…”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)