Russian President Vladimir Putin with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2017\ POOL/ REUTERS
Noa Landau, Haaretz: Analysis Despite Tensions Over Syria Attack, Israel’s Line to the Kremlin Remains Open
Individuals familiar with Israel-Russia ties characterized recent relations as 'sensitive' and 'tense', but by no means is this a diplomatic crisis
"Chicks are counted in autumn," goes the more cautious, Russian version of "don't count your chickens before they're hatched." It's a proverb apt for just about any long-running event, and particularly appropriate when considering the future of Israel's relations with old-new regional power Russia in the face of Iranian efforts to entrench itself at Israel's northern border. On the surface of such ties, Russia has broadcasted a message of crisis since strikes on the Syrian T4 air base near Homs last week were attributed to Israel. Moscow issued public denunciations of the strike and called in Israel's ambassador to Russia for a "conversation."
These are symbolic, relatively "soft" use of tools in the diplomatic toolbox meant to telegraph Moscow's displeasure with Israeli activities in its sphere of influence. But below the surface, a number of figures who are familiar with Israeli-Russian ties say the diplomatic and military communications have continued — consistent, stable and practical — even after the attack.
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WNU Editor: There are over one million Israeli Jews with immigration and family ties to Russia. That alone is going to insure close Israeli - Russian ties regardless of what happens.
