© Russian Defense Ministry
Israel would not allow Iran's permanent military presence in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said during talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, adding that Tehran "must understand this."
Commenting on the agenda of his meeting with Shoigu, the Israeli prime minister said that the talks were dedicated to "above all, Iran's attempts to establish military bases in Syria."
Netanyahu earlier stated Israel "will act to prevent Iran from establishing permanent military bases in Syria for its air, sea and ground forces."
Israel has been long opposing Iran's and Lebanon-based Hezbollah's presence in Syria. Iran has been providing support to the Syrian government in its fight against various terrorist groups, including Daesh, and acts alongside Russia and Turkey as one of the guarantor states of the ceasefire in Syria. Tehran has repeatedly refuted media reports claiming that its military had conducted independent operations in Syria.
During his September meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of building sites in Syria and Lebanon to produce missiles allegedly aiming to eradicate Israel. When asked to comment on the statement, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow has "no information that someone is preparing an attack on Israel."
Iran Nuclear Deal
The Israeli prime minister and the Russian defense minister have also discussed the US president's decision not to certify the Iran nuclear deal.
Netanyahu has reiterated Tel Aviv's stance, warning of Iran potentially acquiring nuclear weapons if the deal isn't changed.
During his UNGA speech in September, Netanyahu has again addressed the threat Israel believes Iran poses to its security. According to him, the nuclear deal with Iran must be changed or canceled entirely.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for Israel's stance on the nuclear agreement, calling it a "bad deal for Israel."
On October 16, Trump suggested that Washington might unilaterally exit the agreement despite Rex Tillerson's earlier comments, saying that the United States will try to negotiate the agreement, which is, according to him, in the best interests of his country.
Comment: Whatever assurances Russia gives Israel to the idea that Iran won't suddenly go on the attack isn't the question here (as Israel would have the world think). Rather, it is that Israel wants to be able to do as it pleases in Lebanon and Syria without the combined forces of Hezbollah and Iran to contend with. Israel would also seek to destabilize Iran using whatever tools it has at its disposal - including a manipulated U.S. - without Iran responding effectively and from close proximity.
These talks are essentially meaningless; Israel's drive to dominate will Trump any policy, agreement or reasonable accommodation the world seeks to offer it.