Netanyahu and Putin: A Complex Relationship
A History of Ups and Downs
The relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a complex and often contradictory one. The two leaders have met numerous times over the years, and their interactions have ranged from warm and cooperative to tense and adversarial.Early Years
Netanyahu and Putin first met in 2001, when Netanyahu was serving his first term as Prime Minister. The two leaders quickly established a rapport, and Netanyahu became one of the few Western leaders to visit Moscow after Putin came to power.However, the relationship between the two leaders began to sour in 2006, when Russia supported a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's military actions in Lebanon. Netanyahu was furious, and he accused Putin of bias against Israel.
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a move that was widely condemned by the international community. Netanyahu criticized the annexation, but he also avoided taking any concrete steps against Russia.
Recent Developments
In recent years, the relationship between Netanyahu and Putin has improved somewhat. The two leaders have met several times since 2015 and have established a personal rapport.However, there are still significant differences between the two leaders. Netanyahu is a strong supporter of the United States, while Putin is increasingly critical of American foreign policy. Netanyahu is also concerned about Russia's growing influence in the Middle East, and he has urged Putin to withdraw his forces from Syria.
