Photo Credit: Israel Embassy in Russia

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening, (Dec. 31), the final night of Chanukah.

The two leaders discussed developments in the region, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.




Their conversation included an “emphasis on Syria and continued security coordination in this sphere, which has already proven itself in preventing misunderstandings,” the statement said.

According to a statement from Moscow, the call was initiated by Jerusalem and the conversation included a discussion about the “Palestinian-Israeli peace process.”

It was the second conversation between the two men in a week. Last Sunday Israel’s prime minister had called Mr. Putin to express condolences over the crash of a military aircraft that resulted in the death of the entire 60-member Red Army Choir, plus 32 others, while on its way to the Middle East.

Israel’s prime minister was among the world leaders who received New Year’s greetings from Russia’s president this week. Mr. Putin “expressed confidence in the successful continuation in 2017 of joint efforts to enhance the entire range of Russian-Israeli relations and constructive cooperation in addressing regional and international issues in the interests of the friendly peoples of the two countries, and for ensuring peace, security and stability in the Middle East.”