Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in an interview that, as head of government, he was able to achieve important agreements for his country with Russia on Syria. The interview was published on his YouTube channel.

The Israeli politician spoke about his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place in October 2021 in Sochi. According to Bennett, their conversation then dragged on for almost five hours, they discussed a variety of topics - from military history to practical issues of interaction between Moscow and Jerusalem in the Middle East.

“We talked about the army, about different approaches, and also about practical things — Iran, Syria,” Bennett said, referring to the content of his conversation with the Russian leader.

He pointed out that the Russian Federation is important for Israel because of the northern border of the Jewish state with Syria.

“Important for many reasons. Including because of their presence in Syria, their [anti-aircraft missile systems] S-300. And these are the most advanced ground-to-air missiles in the world,” the former prime minister said.

He also considered this conversation with Putin successful for Israel.

“According to publications in foreign sources, after this visit, something happened in Syria that had not happened before. I can say that in the last few years we have had friction with the Russians in Syria, which has limited our actions there. I made sure Israel had a free hand in Syria,” Bennett said.

According to him, “it is very noticeable” in the last year and a half.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country will take vigorous action to prevent the consolidation of Iran's military presence in Syria.