Friction Builds Between Jerusalem and Moscow following Syria Raid

Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t much care if Israel takes ownership of Sunday night’s missile attack on Syria’s T-4 military base or not. Moscow’s finger-pointing at Jerusalem is only one of several indications that the Kremlin is shortening its grip on the conflict arena over which Putin reigns as King of the Hill. The Russian president has apparently routinely looked the other way while Israeli jets flew more than one hundred missions against incoming arms arriving at the Damascus airport en route to the Hizbullah terrorists in Beirut. It may no longer be the case. Many pundits believe hurt feelings have exacerbated the tiff, Putin angered that the Americans were given the courtesy of being tipped-off to the most recent Israeli air strike while he was not. But if the Russian version of events is accurate, then the Israelis stand duly warned that the Russians are near after five of its eight-missiles were destroyed by the defensive batteries installed by Moscow. To rub it in a little more, Russia castigated Israel for its actions in defending against the onslaught against its border with the Gaza Strip without including the “both parties must….” language that it is typically found in diplomatic statements. Despite the close relationship between the United States and Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has expended great efforts and prestige in lobbying President Putin but to arguable degrees of success. What is certain is that Netanyahu received scant return until now and the future portends an even skimpier return. That could mean facing-off against the powerful Putin in order to live up to his vow to keep Iran off his doorstep.