putin

As Israel and Syria concluded a deal on the return of an Israeli woman from Syria, questions arise regarding the cost and what the future of such transactions with Russian mediation should be.

Why can’t Netanyahu free Israelis from Gaza as easily as from Syria?
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Russian President Putin has strong relationships with both Netanyahu and Syrian President Assad, whereas Hamas has unrealistic demands.

Israel should (silently) support a more flexible US policy towards the Syrian regime and the Russian presence in Syria, including the easing of sanctions on Syria, in order to decrease Assad’s dependence on Iranian support and to heighten the conflicts of interest between Moscow and Tehran.

Putin’s strategy in Israel, Iran and Syria
Ms. Micky Aharonson explains how Israel maneuvers between Washington and Moscow, and what she expects from the Biden administration regarding Russia policy. (Al Monitor podcast, 09.12.2020)

The efforts of Moscow to assert itself as a power in the eastern Mediterranean should sound a cautionary note.

Israel and the US may have an opportunity to incentivize Assad and Putin to cooperate in constraining Iran's presence in Syria.

Long live the Tsar.
An interview with Miki Aharonon about Putin’s visit to Israel.

Russia’s displeasure with Israel simmers as Putin readies to visit for Yad Vashem event.
Micky Aharonson of JISS: It is important for Putin to portray himself as anti-fascist and a fighter against anti-Semitism. This gives him credit in the international community.

Meeting with Assad sent clear messages to the countries of the region.

Putin, hackers, and cannabis: The bizarre story of an Israeli-American jailed in Russia.
Prof. Inbar: I am not sure this case has a geopolitical angle.

The U.S. withdrawal makes Russia the new arbiter of everyone’s interests, including Israel’s.