Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz has held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu.
Gantz later wrote on his official Twitter account that: "I held a phone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in which we discussed several strategic issues concerning the Middle East and the importance of maintaining stability in the region.
"I expressed our appreciation for the Russian understanding of Israel’s security concerns and underscored our determination not to allow Iran's attempt to establish itself militarily in Syria and its nuclear aspirations. I look forward to continue our bilateral communication."