Israel is seeking to spread anti-Iran propaganda in a future high-level meeting with Russia, but Moscow’s policy is unlikely to be manipulated by the disinformation campaign, a lawmaker said.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in early October that he would soon meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss military coordination to avoid mishaps involving the forces of the two sides engaged in operations in Syria.
It would be their first meeting since the downing of a Russian warplane by Syrian forces reacting to an Israeli air raid last month that caused tensions in their relations.
Netanyahu has been trying to ease the strain ever since, potentially to draw on Russia to counter Iran, which backs the Syrian government in its fight against a lingering insurgency.
According to Valiollah Nanvakenari, a member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Israel in its meeting with Putin intends to revive its “failed Iranophobia project” in the region.
“The Zionist regime would launch any [possible] negotiations to fuel Iranophobia in all countries and provoke division between Iran and its partners," ICANA quoted the MP as saying in a recent talk.
> Far-Fetched Eventuality
The lawmaker, however, added that it seems far-fetched that Russia would come under the influence of Israel's anti-Iran drive since its interests lie in avoiding estrangement with a reliable partner such as Iran.
Russia and Iran have staunchly supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government by providing logistical, technical and financial support, as well as training and combat troops.
Israel, along with the United States, has frequently demanded that Russia should work to ensure the total withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria.
Nanvakenari said Russia is highly unlikely to break ranks with Iran regarding such critical issues as “the battle against terrorism in Syria”.
“Putin is wise enough to know that Russia's leverage in the region, especially in Syria, is only attainable through cooperation with Iran,” he said.
The Russian president has said any talks about the withdrawal of Iranian forces would be contingent on providing security guarantees for Syria.
Tehran and Moscow have also joined forces with Turkey over the Syrian crisis.
Nanvakenari gave assurance that the trilateral collaboration will continue despite Netanyahu's efforts to undermine the alliance.
“Turkey and Russia should bear in mind that alliance with Iran is to the benefit of the trio, and the trilateral collaboration will also serve the interests of Syria,” he said.
