Binyamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin
Binyamin Netanyahu, Vladimir PutinReuters

Russia on Friday denied reports in Israeli media, according to which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting on Thursday was meant to discuss an aerial incident over Syria.

The alleged aerial incident between Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Russian fighter jets was reported by Yedioth Aharonoth on Thursday night as being the impetus of the meeting.

A Russian jet was said to have been scrambled in recent days to intercept an IAF aircraft flying along the Syrian coast and even fired on the Israeli craft, although the two aircraft did not make contact.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said at a press conference Friday that "in this case, Israeli press reports are far from reality," reports Reuters.

The report of the incident was strengthened by the fact that in the meeting, it was agreed that IAF Commander Gen. Amir Eshel and Netanyahu’s senior military adviser Brig. Gen. Eliezer Toledano would hold a special meeting with Russia's defense minister and several other generals.

Netanyahu held a press briefing after his meeting with Putin, in which he stated that significant achievements were made for the security of Israel, stressing the coordination of the armies of the two nations in Syria, where Russia is active in propping up Bashar al-Assad's regime.

He emphasized that the meeting was crucial in preserving the IDF's operational freedom.