Russia–Israel Rapprochement for “Coordination” on Syria?

By Peter Koenig

December 10, 2019 "Information Clearing House" -   Is Russia changing her position in the Middle East? – Not likely. To the contrary, Russia is ascertaining her role in the Middle East and assuring her allies of Russia’s full and alert presence.

When reading a recent article in the Anadolu Agency (AA) News, Ankara (screenshot below) one would have the impression of witnessing a growing love affair between President Vladimir Putin and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This is deceiving. And it is important to be pointed out, because of transparency vis-à-vis Russia’s partners and allies in the Middle East.

This rightwing news-outlet, AA, also falsely talks about the Syrian ‘civil war’ – “Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.” The article goes on saying, “Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million others displaced,” – fraudulently implying that the killing and displacing of the people happened at the hands President Assad’s. When in reality the mass-killing, destroying of infrastructure and entire cities was the result of US, UK, French, Israeli and Saudi air strikes.

Yes, President Putin has accepted an invitation to visit Israel in January 2020. In addition to attending together with French President Emmanuel Macron the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Jerusalem, there will, for sure, be other items on the Russian – Israeli agenda, including cooperation in Syria. And, who says Syria, must also say Iran and Hezbollah.

Let’s not forget, Russia has vital interests in Syria, not only because of Russia’s involvement in and fight against the Western War on Syria – and that by invitation of President Bashar al-Assad – but also because of Russia’s military bases in Syria, i.e. Russia’s naval facility at Tartus, and the Hmeimim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia. Israel’s hundreds if not thousands of Syrian airspace violations present a permanent danger for Russia’s military bases and for thousands of Russian troops stationed in Syria.

Earlier this month Russian war planes intercepted Israeli jets over southern Syria. According to the Russian publication Avia.Pro, the Israeli jets were intent on attacking Syria’s T-4 Airbase in the western province of Homs. There are also constant threats by Israel on Iran – including threats of nuclear attacks. Russian planes have repeatedly stopped Israeli war jets from outright attacking Damascus. The Russia also helped the Syrian air force intercepting Israeli drones aiming at Syrian strategic military installations or cities. Russia has repeatedly condemned Israeli airstrikes in Syria.