Ahead of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that his government was determined to contain Iran’s military expansion in Syria.
He said that he would resort to force if needed and that it was better to build on his vow sooner better than later and not wait on future developments.
He made his remarks during his weekly cabinet meeting ahead of talks with Putin on Wednesday.
Netanyahu’s statements are part of a series of Israeli efforts aimed at persuading world powers of the need to alter or annul the nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly slammed the deal and had given European powers until May 12 to present suggestions to “fix” it.
Last week, Netanyahu provided documents collected by Israeli intelligence that proved that Tehran continued to pursue its nuclear ambitions despite signing the deal with western powers three years ago.
His talks with Putin will focus on regional issues related to Iran’s role in Syria, as well as its nuclear program.
The Russian presidency said in a statement on Sunday that Netanyahu is invited to attend a military parade in Moscow marking the 73rd anniversary of Russia’s defeat of the Nazis during World War II.
The statement did not disclose the details of the talks between the two leaders.
Netanyahu told his ministers that his meeting with Putin is significant given Iran’s role in Syria.
“My meetings with the Russian president are always important for Israel’s security and the current military coordination between the Israeli and Russian militaries,” he added.
He stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are still delivering drones and anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. These arms, he said, are aimed at attacking Israel on different fronts, which would destabilize the entire Middle East.
“We are determined to halt Iranian aggression against Israel, even if we had to resort to force. It is better to do so now. Sooner is better than later,” he declared.
“The countries that refused to act against the Iranian aggression have paid a much heavier price than the cost of using force. We do not want an escalation, but we are for any scenario and Israel reserves the right to act as it sees fit to defend itself,” Netanyahu stressed.
