Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed a de-escalation zone in southern Syria with Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman when the two met in Moscow, Reuters with reference to the TASS news agency said.
The United States last week warned Syria it would take firm measures in response to ceasefire violations in southern Syria after reports of an impending military operation in the de-escalation zone.
“A lot of questions have built up,” Shoigu was quoted as saying by TASS during a meeting with Lieberman in the Russian capital.
“We should discuss today everything concerning work on the border in the southern de-escalation zone where we have an agreement with Jordan and the United States,” he told his counterpart.
Israel’s Defence Ministry, in a statement, quoted Lieberman as telling Shoigu: “Israel greatly appreciates Russia’s understanding of our security needs, especially regarding the situation on our northern border.”
The statement said the two met for more than 90 minutes and discussed “security issues of concern to both countries, the situation in Syria and the Israeli campaign to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria.”