In Knesset debate, Netanyahu says he regularly talks to Putin to safeguard Israel’s ‘vital interests’

By Nava Freiberg

You will receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

You will no longer receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

8 December 2025, 6:05 pm

Edit

Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a 40-signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, December 8, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin “on a regular basis” to serve Jerusalem’s “vital interests,” in a speech defending Israel’s international standing during a 40-signature Knesset debate.

“We maintain continuous contacts with another global power — Russia,” Netanyahu says in the Knesset plenum. “I speak with President Putin on a regular basis, and this personal relationship of many years serves our vital interests,” he says.

“Including now, including attempts to prevent us from defending our northern border,” Netanyahu adds, asserting that, “of course, that will not happen.”