Netanyahu and Putin hold first call since 2023 amid intensifying fighting in Gaza, Iran threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Tuesday, marking their first conversation since December 2023.

The call took place amid escalations in the Middle East and just three days ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day – of Nazi Germany’s surrender in World War II, a national holiday in both Russia and Israel and observed around the world."

The two leaders exchanged “warm greetings” and emphasized their commitment to preserving the history of WWII and defending the truth against Holocaust denial and revisionism.

Netanyahu acknowledged the significant role the Soviet Army had in defeating the Nazi regime, and highlighted the contributions of the many Jewish commanders and fighters during the war.

Putin and Netanyahu also discussed bilateral relations and recent developments in the Middle East.

The Russian president expressed concern over the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Gaza, emphasizing Russia’s condemnation of terrorism in any form. He cautioned that counterterror operations should not lead to severe harm to civilians. The Kremlin offered to assist in reducing civilian suffering in Gaza and de-escalating the conflict.

Netanyahu thanked Putin for Russia’s role in obtaining the Feb. 15 release of an Israeli-Russian dual national, Alex (Sasha) Trufanov, who was held captive by the Hamas terrorist organization. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations regarding the release of additional Russian nationals and the remaining 59 Israeli hostages in Gaza, both living and deceased.

Netanyahu also stressed Israel’s ongoing efforts to free all the hostages.

Victory Day, referred to in Russia as the "Great Patriotic War," is celebrated on May 9 with a military parade in the nation's capital. Russia has previously invited Israel to its Victory Day celebrations, with Netanyahu being one of the few Western leaders to attend in 2018.

On Tuesday, Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the Iranian regime has a “legitimate right to develop its own civil nuclear-energy programs.”

However, while speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit last week, Netanyahu said that Israel would only accept a deal that completely eliminates Iran’s ability to enrich uranium.

“The only way to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons is to fully dismantle all the infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program,” the prime minister said. “That is the deal.”

“Israel,” Netanyahu continued, “cannot live with anything short of that. Anything short of that could bring you the opposite result, because Iran will say, ‘All right, I won’t enrich,’ wait, run out the clock, wait for another president, do it again.”