Netanyahu speaks with Putin amid growing Syria tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak by phone amid increased tensions in Syria following an airstrike on a military base blamed on Israel.

“Upon an initiative of the Israeli side, a telephone conversation took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Syrian issue was discussed, including in connection with the recent missile strikes on the T-4 airfield in Homs by the Israeli Air Force,” the Kremlin said, according to Russia’s Sputnik news agency.

“Vladimir Putin stressed the fundamental importance of respecting the sovereignty of Syria, called for refraining from any actions that might further destabilize the situation in this country and pose a threat to its security,” the Kremlin added.