Netanyahu to discuss Syria, S-300 sale in Moscow Thursday

Benjamin Netanyahu will leave Thursday morning on a quick trip to Moscow, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin, his office says.

Much like Netanyahu’s last visit to Moscow several months ago, the talks are expected to revolve around fighting in Syria.

Despite Russia’s recent withdrawal of military forces from Syria, Netanyahu’s office says he will discuss continuing coordination between Israeli and Russian forces over Syria’s skies as well as peace talks to end over five years of civil war there.

Netanyahu was recently angered over reports that a peace talks partially brokered by Russia included discussion of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967 and effectively annexed 14 years later.

Netanyahu also plans to lobby once again for Russia to cancel the sale of advanced weapons to Iran, the statement says, likely a reference to the S-300 air defense system.

Israel has expressed worries over Iran getting hold of the powerful weapon, and Netanyahu has made several pleas for Russia to nix the sale, but nonetheless Moscow began sending parts to Iran recently.

On Sunday, Tehran showed off parts of the system at a parade, though they did not include actual missiles.

A senior Russian defense official said Tuesday that Russia would complete delivery of the system by the end of the year.

The prime minister is expected to return to Israel Thursday evening.