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Bennett holds separate calls with Putin, Zelensky

Bennett first spoke with Zelensky, where they spoke about “Russian aggression,” the Ukrainian leader said on Twitter.

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett holds a press conference about the Covid-19, at HaKirya base in Tel Aviv, January 11, 2022. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90
Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett holds a press conference about the Covid-19, at HaKirya base in Tel Aviv, January 11, 2022. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky separately on Wednesday.

Bennett first spoke with Zelensky, where they spoke about “Russian aggression,” the Ukrainian leader said on Twitter.

According to the Kremlin, Bennett initiated the call with Putin, with the Russian leader telling the Israeli leader taking into account Moscow’s security interests was among the key conditions for settling the conflict.

While Israel has expressed support for Ukrainian and provided humanitarian aid to the country, it has been nuanced in its approach to the conflict, especially with its muted criticism of Russia. Israel is especially concerned with maintaining its freedom of action in Syria against Iranian targets, where Russia has military forces.

Nevertheless, Israel did vote to approve the U.N. General Assembly resolution on Wednesday to reprimand Russia for invading Ukraine.

According to reports, Bennett has offered to mediate peace talks between both countries.

The projectile from Lebanon wounded two men as Israeli rescue teams responded across the north.
“If the war continues on schedule, more or less six to eight weeks, then the U.S. has succeeded beyond the dreams of war planners,” he said. “People don’t appreciate just how great this war is going.”

Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of disseminating materials glorifying terrorism.
The raid follows Sunday’s attacks on Iran’s Defense and Intelligence ministries, the IRGC Air Force and Internal Security Forces.
“The disciplinary process before the Bureau is ongoing and remains confidential. No decisions have been taken, and no weight should be ⁠given to recent media speculation,” an internal ICC memo said.

At some point there will be a clear signal for the Iranian people “to come out,” Adm. Brad Cooper adds.