Report: Russia gives Israel ‘green light’ to strike Iranian targets in Syria

Israel and Russia have reached an agreement granting Israeli jets a “green light” to strike Iranian targets in Syria, as well as the withdrawal of Iran-backed troops from Syria’s border with Israel, Asharq al-Awsat reports.

According to the Arabic-language daily, the agreement will see Iranian forces leave southern Syria, while allowing Israel to strike Iranian assets deep in the country. Israel agreed not to attack Syrian regime targets, the report said.

The reported agreement comes after Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Thursday for talks focused on Syria.

Liberman thanked Russia for “understanding” Israel’s security concerns. However, neither Jerusalem, nor Moscow, publicly acknowledged any agreement between the sides regarding Iran’s military presence in Syria.