Tag: Sergei Shoigu

Putin also appeared careful this time, however, to create some distance in his relationship with the Israeli prime minister, ahead of next week's elections.

Russia expressed concern the annexation plan could undermine "hopes for the establishment of long-awaited peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.”

The missile systems are shown being unloaded from the An-124-100 Ruslan strategic airlift aircraft at the Hmeymim air base in Syria.

"It is not in Israel’s interest to add a serious country such as Russia to the list of its opponents."

Russia is widely believed to have agreed not to interfere with Israeli military action taken against Iranian forces and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Syria.

Also slated for departure from southern Syria, according to the Observatory, are ISIS affiliates Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham and Jaysh Khalid Ibn al-Walid.

Israel's Defense Ministry underlined Israel's view that the Iranian presence should be entirely eradicated from Syria, not only militarily.

Iran and Syria will comprise a prominent part of the agenda although it is likely other issues will be discussed as well.

Netanyahu also said that Iran would have an arsenal of nuclear weapons within 8-10 years if the nuclear deal is not changed.

Once in the Mediterranean, the Kuznetsov will take up position off the coast of Syria for four to five months, possibly using its complement of 20 MIG 29, 12 SU-33, and Kamov helicopters to carry out airstrikes.