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Bennett plans to meet with Putin in Russia, in part to discuss Iran aggression

The two leaders are likely to discuss diplomatic, security and economic issues, as well as regional concerns such as Iran’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addresses the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 27, 2021. Photo by Avi Ohayon/GPO.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addresses the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 27, 2021. Photo by Avi Ohayon/GPO.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is slated to travel on Oct. 22 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time, the prime minister’s office announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

The two leaders are likely to discuss diplomatic, security and economic issues, as well as regional concerns such as Iran’s nuclear program, according to the tweet.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said during a state visit to Moscow last month that the Jewish state reserves the right to act to stop Iran’s nuclear program.

After meeting with his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Lapid said that “a nuclear Iran will lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.”

Sam Raskin, a spokesman for the mayor, said that Mamdani talked to shoppers at Eichler’s and “heard directly from community members about the issues facing the neighborhood and how the administration can best support its residents.”
The diplomatic move comes as Israel presses for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
The Israeli defense chief vowed strikes on critical infrastructure, noting economic troubles could push Tehran into desperate measures after repeated defeats.
“Gloria was iconic,” Ruth Messinger, a former Manhattan borough president, told JNS. “This is a sad day for women.”