MESOPOTAMIA NEWS REPORT – Russia Rejects Visit by High-Level Israelis After Downing of Plane (I)
6 Sept 2018 – ByScott Lucas – eaworldview – Russian officials reportedly rejected a visit by a high-level Israeli delegation last week, following the downing of a Russian surveilliance plane by Assad regime air defenses during Israel’s strikes on western Syria.Sources said Israel sought to send a delegation led by National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, accompanied by air force officials. The Government also considered a personal visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.Moscow reportedly said it preferred to leave discussions to military officials.
Analysts suggested the Russian Defense Ministry is trying to split the Netanyahu Government from the Israeli military, suggesting that officials are being misled by an “unprofessional” air force. The Russian Il-20, carrying 15 personnel, was downed by an Assad regime SS-20 anti-air missile last Monday soon after Israeli F-16s fighters fired on regime targets in Latakia and Tartous Provinces. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the F-16s were using the Il-20 as cover; the Israel Defense Forces said their warplanes had already returned to Israeli airspace.
President Vladimir Putin initially stepped back in a phone call with Netanyahu, citing a chain of “accidental circumstances”. But the Defense Ministry has maintained its criticism.
Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will not halt its airstrikes inside Syria.