Anatoly Viktorov, the Russian ambassador to Israel, stated on Monday, August 8, that the request for Iran to withdraw from Syria is currently 'unrealistic' and that Russia cannot force Iran to leave Syria. According to Reuters, Viktorov emphasized that Russia also cannot prevent Israeli attacks on Iranian forces in Syria. Iranian forces and militias supported by the Islamic Republic, along with Russia, are the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad's government in the Syrian civil war. The Russian ambassador mentioned to Israel's Channel 10 that now only Syrian government forces should be deployed in areas adjacent to the Israeli border. During a meeting of a high-ranking Russian delegation led by Sergey Lavrov with the Israeli Prime Minister, Reuters reported that Benjamin Netanyahu opposed Russia's proposal regarding the continued presence of Iranian forces in Syria, even within 100 kilometers of the Golan border. However, the Russian ambassador defended Iran's role in Syria, stating that they (the Iranians) play a very, very important role in our joint efforts to eliminate terrorism in Syria. Therefore, at this time, we do not consider the request for the withdrawal of foreign forces from the Syrian Arab Republic to be realistic. He added, 'We can speak very frankly and transparently with our Iranian partners, encouraging them to do or not do something.' In response to the question of whether you cannot force Iranian forces to leave Syria, he said: 'No, we cannot.' Before traveling to Moscow, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has no issue with the survival of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, but Iran should not have a military presence 'anywhere in Syria.' The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria was concluded in 1974, one year after the last war between the two countries. In this context, a Russian delegation had traveled to Israel a few weeks ago. Senior Israeli officials confirmed that these visits were related to Iran's military presence in Syria. Iran continues to emphasize that it is present in Syria 'advisory' at the invitation of the legitimate government of Bashar al-Assad; however, Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to the Iranian leader on international affairs, stated last week that Iran would 'immediately' leave the country if requested by Syria. Israel has stressed that it will not accept the presence and expansion of Iranian influence at its borders.
Russia Calls Iran's Withdrawal Request from Syria 'Unrealistic'
Russia's ambassador to Israel stated that the request for Iran to withdraw from Syria is unrealistic and that Russia cannot force this action. This comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran regarding military presence in Syria, with Israel firmly opposing any Iranian military presence near its borders.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Russian ambassador to Israel stated that Iran's request to withdraw from Syria is unrealistic and that Russia cannot enforce such a withdrawal. This statement highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran regarding military presence in Syria.
- Russia supports Iran's military presence in Syria as part of efforts to combat terrorism.
- Israel opposes any Iranian military presence near its borders, emphasizing security concerns.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been involved in Syria since the civil war began, supporting the Assad regime militarily. Israel has consistently opposed Iranian military entrenchment near its borders, viewing it as a direct threat.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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