Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin late yesterday, reportedly to extend early birthday wishes — but the real purpose was far more strategic. Netanyahu used the call to urge Putin not to transfer Su-35 fighter jets to Iran, amid growing concern in Tel Aviv about Tehran’s expanding military capabilities.
According to reports, Russia is considering supplying Iran with the advanced Su-35 jets, which are 4.5-generation aircraft capable of conducting stealth attacks deep inside Israel while evading radar detection. The reports, which emerged yesterday, prompted Netanyahu to make an immediate diplomatic intervention to dissuade the Kremlin from proceeding with the deal.
During the conversation, the two leaders also discussed Iran’s nuclear program, the situation in Gaza, and developments in Syria, though no further details were disclosed.
Analysts say Israel, with strong backing from the United States and European allies, could pressure Russia to delay or reconsider such military agreements. Historically, Israel has played a quiet but influential role in slowing down defense-related deals between Moscow and Tehran.
For Russia, struggling under Western sanctions and seeking economic relief, the potential sale presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. Netanyahu is believed to be leveraging these economic and diplomatic factors to convince Putin that strengthening Iran’s air capabilities could destabilize the region and threaten Israel’s security.
Despite closer cooperation between Russia and Iran in recent years, Putin has also maintained a pragmatic relationship with Israel. He was the one who restored Russian-Israeli relations after the collapse of the Soviet Union and recently noted that Israel hosts the largest number of Russian-speaking people living outside of Russia. Observers interpret this as a sign that Putin remains keen to preserve ties with Israel, even as the two nations find themselves on opposite sides of global conflicts such as Ukraine.
Diplomatic sources say the outcome of Netanyahu’s intervention remains uncertain, but the move underscores Israel’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring advanced military hardware that could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
