Netanyahu and Putin ‘call’ each other in an attempt to diffuse tension after Russian plane was shot down in Syria
6312 Mins Read
Update: The leaders of Russia and Israel have sought to defuse tension after a Russian plane was shot down by Syrian forces amid an Israeli air raid. In a call to Vladimir Putin, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret at the loss of 15 Russian personnel, but stressed again that Syria was to blame.
Mr Putin had earlier called the incident “a chain of tragic accidental circumstances”. The Il-20 plane was downed over the Mediterranean Sea on Monday evening.
Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from Moscow, said Putin’s “use of measured language shows he does not want to escalate this any further”.
“The difference in tone between the Russian ministry of defence and Putin suggests that the Russian president is satisfied that point has been made and that this chain of tragic circumstances, as he put it shouldn’t risk what [appeared to be] a pretty good working relationship between Russia and Israel.
Earlier
Netanyahu’s office said Netanyahu had placed the blame for the shooting down of the aircraft on Syria, and that he had offered “all necessary information” to investigate the incident.
The summons came hours after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Liberman that Moscow was holding Israel fully responsible for the downing of the aircraft and threatened possible “countermeasures,” amid fears the incident could send ties between Moscow and Jerusalem spiraling.
A spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry refused to comment.
