1
Why Is Israel's Netanyahu Still Groveling to Putin and Russia?
A Decade of Diplomatic Dance
For a decade, Israel has pursued a delicate diplomatic dance with Russia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to maintain cordial relations with Moscow despite Russia's military intervention in Syria and its unwavering support for Iran, Israel's arch-rival. This balancing act has raised eyebrows among critics who question Netanyahu's motives.
A Shared Agenda
Mutual Distractions
For both Netanyahu and Putin, ongoing conflicts provide a convenient distraction. Netanyahu faces pressure from the left to resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Putin grapples with international condemnation over Russia's annexation of Crimea and its role in the Donbas conflict. By maintaining a close relationship, they can deflect attention from their domestic troubles and present a united front to their opponents.
Leveraging the Relationship
Netanyahu has long exploited his personal rapport with Putin. He has leveraged this relationship to secure Russian acquiescence to Israeli military strikes on targets in Syria and to limit the Iranian military presence there. However, critics argue that Netanyahu is paying too high a price for Putin's cooperation.
A Risky Gambit
As the war in Ukraine rages on, Netanyahu's cozy relationship with Putin is under increasing scrutiny. The international community has condemned Russia's invasion and imposed severe sanctions. Israel's support for Ukraine has been tepid, and Netanyahu has refrained from criticizing Putin directly. Some analysts believe that Netanyahu's continued appeasement of Putin could damage Israel's standing in the West.
A Question of Loyalty
The question remains: Why is Netanyahu so reluctant to distance himself from Putin? Some suggest that it is a matter of personal chemistry, while others argue that Netanyahu fears damaging Israel's security interests. Whatever the reason, Netanyahu's continued embrace of Putin raises questions about his judgment and loyalty to his Western allies.
1
Comments