Ahead of Election, Netanyahu to Meet Putin in Sochi

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Russia on Thursday to meet with President Vladimir Putin. The Israeli leader said the trip was meant to enhance “the continuation of military coordination [in Syria] so as to prevent a collision given the upsurge in activity against us by Iran and its proxies, and our increased activity against them.” He added that Jerusalem was attempting to arrange another trilateral summit (the first one having been held in June) between the national security advisers of the US, Russia and Israel. Last week, Netanyahu visited London, where he discussed with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, the Iran nuclear deal and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Many view his trips as an attempt to boost his electoral prospects ahead of Israel’s September 17 national election.