Responding to i24NEWS, the prime minister says Israel and Moscow have conflicting interests but maintains contact with Putin, who he believes also opposes a nuclear-armed Iran
i24NEWS
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FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Roman Artyukhin, the head of the treasury, at the Kremlin in Moscow, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
(Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused Russia of aiding Iran and using artificial intelligence to operate antisemitic bot networks targeting Israel and Jews worldwide.
Responding to a question from i24NEWS, Netanyahu leveled unusually sharp criticism at Moscow while acknowledging that Israel and Russia share some interests despite their differences.
He said he remains in occasional contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking with him when necessary.
Netanyahu also suggested that Putin does not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, arguing that a nuclear-armed Tehran could threaten Russia’s own interests. Among the potential risks, he said, was the possibility that Iran could recruit Muslim groups within Russia to act on its behalf.
The remarks mark a shift in tone from Netanyahu’s longstanding portrayal of his relationship with Putin as an important asset in Israel’s foreign and security policy. His public accusations highlight tensions between the two countries.
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