Israeli media: Netanyahu sought Putin’s mediation to prevent Iran's preemptive strike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to convey a message to Tehran that Israel has no intention to attack Iran, Kan News reported, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the broadcaster, Putin and Netanyahu have spoken by phone several times recently amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. During the conversations, Netanyahu reportedly requested that Putin reassure Iranian officials that Israel has no plans to launch an attack.

The Kremlin last confirmed a phone call between the two leaders on November 15, saying they discussed a ceasefire in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and efforts to stabilise the situation in Syria. A month earlier, Putin said Russia had received signals from Israel indicating it was not interested in confrontation with Iran.

Kan News reports that Israel is concerned Tehran may launch a preemptive strike on Israeli territory if it believes an Israeli attack is imminent. Netanyahu’s message, the report says, is aimed at preventing such a scenario.

Speaking in the Knesset on January 5, Netanyahu warned that any attack by Iran would have “serious consequences.” He also said that Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump largely share a common position on Iran and broader regional issues, stressing that Israel would not allow Iran to resume ballistic missile production or restart its nuclear program.

By Khagan Isayev