Israeli FM Warns Iran over Presence in Syria, Reassures Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) meets with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid (R) in Moscow, Russia, 09 September 2021. EPA/ALEXANDER NEMENOV/POOL
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) meets with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid (R) in Moscow, Russia, 09 September 2021. EPA/ALEXANDER NEMENOV/POOL
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Israeli FM Warns Iran over Presence in Syria, Reassures Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) meets with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid (R) in Moscow, Russia, 09 September 2021. EPA/ALEXANDER NEMENOV/POOL
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) meets with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid (R) in Moscow, Russia, 09 September 2021. EPA/ALEXANDER NEMENOV/POOL

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has lashed out at Iran over its military presence in Syria after meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

Lapid agreed with Lavrov to launch a coordination mechanism to enhance military understanding between Moscow and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli foreign minister said there wouldn't be stability in Syria, or the broader Middle East, as long as Iran is present.

He called Tehran "the world's number one exporter of terror."

He added that Israel will not "sit quietly by while Iran builds terror bases on our northern border or while Iran supplies advanced weapons to terror organizations."

However, Lapid said Tel Aviv recognizes Moscow's "key interests in the region" and asserts it is keen to maintain the security of the Russian military in Syria.

"It is very important for us to make sure that no matter what happens in Syria, the Russian military will not be harmed," Lapid said.

In response to a question about Moscow's position on the Israeli raids in Syria, Lapid said that Tel Aviv is working very closely with its Russian partners to avoid a dangerous escalation.

Lapid's escalatory statement came after he reached an agreement with Lavrov to enhance coordination in various aspects.

However, despite this announcement, Moscow still opposes Israeli raids in Syria.

Russia had called upon Israel to deal with "new rules" of engagement in Syria, including informing Moscow of any detected threats, which the Russian army responds to, without the need for military intervention from Tel Aviv.

Lavrov stressed during his meeting with Lapid that ensuring Israel's security is a major priority for Moscow in Syria.

He indicated that Israel's security is a legitimate interest, adding: "We always emphasize that for us, this is one of the key priorities in the Syrian case as well as in other conflicts."

"Russia believes… [in] the territorial integrity of Syria," said Lavrov, adding that "Syria has the right to define the future of its nation."

Lavrov did not mention Iran in his statement, but noted that he and Lapid had discussed the situation in Syria.



Dutch Tighten Controls on Military and Dual Use Exports to Israel

Containers in the Port of Rotterdam are seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, November 1, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo
Containers in the Port of Rotterdam are seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, November 1, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo
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Dutch Tighten Controls on Military and Dual Use Exports to Israel

Containers in the Port of Rotterdam are seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, November 1, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo
Containers in the Port of Rotterdam are seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, November 1, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo

The Dutch government said on Monday it had tightened export controls for all military and 'dual use' goods destined for Israel.

All direct exports and the transit of these goods to Israel will be checked to see if they comply with European regulations, and will no longer be covered by general export licences, the government said in a letter to parliament.

"This is desirable considering the security situation in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the wider region," foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp and trade minister Reinette Klever wrote, Reuters reported.

"Exporters will still be able to request permits, that will then be checked against European regulations."

The government said no military goods for Israel had been exported from the Netherlands under a general permit since Israel started its war in Gaza following the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

It said that the general licence for the export of "low risk information security goods", such as routers for network security, was frequently used for export to Israel.

It estimated that between 50 and 100 permits for the export of those goods would now have to be requested on an individual basis.

A Dutch court last year ordered the government to block all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel over concerns they were being used to violate international law during the war in Gaza.