Israeli PM holds talks with Russian president on Syria, Iran

During his Wednesday talks with Putin in Moscow, Netanyahu reiterated his call for an end to Iran's anti-terrorism advisory mission in Syria amid concerns in Tel Aviv as Damascus government forces move to liberate the southern areas near the Tel Aviv-occupied Golan Heights from Takfiri militants.

"It is well-known for you - our focus is what is going on in Syria and Iran," Netanyahu told Putin as they headed into their meeting. "Iran needs to leave Syria - that is not something new for you."

An Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, cited Netanyahu as saying that the Tel Aviv regime does not intend to threaten Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule but wants Moscow to work to remove "Iranian forces" from southern Syria near the Israeli-occupied territories.

Iran has no troops on the ground in Syria. It has been offering military advisory support to the Arab country's government over the past years at the request of the legitimate government in Damascus.

Besides Tehran, Moscow has been carrying out an aerial bombardment campaign as a cover for ground operations by the Syrian army against a myriad of terror groups seeking to oust the Damascus government. Moscow, too, has military advisers in Syria. It also runs a number of military bases in the country.

Backed by Iran and Russia, the Syrian army has stepped up its gains on the battleground, liberating area after area from the militant groups, many of which have the backing of Israel and its allies in their mission to oust the Damascus government.

There have been no reports of Putin's reaction to Netanyahu's demand, but Russia has repeatedly underlined the need for the involvement of influential external players, including Iran, in efforts to resolve the deadly conflict gripping Syria.

On Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by the Italian newspaper Il Giornale as saying that Iran has a key role in Syria's stability.

Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected such demands, with Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi saying that "no one can force Iran to do anything."

"As long as terrorism exists and the Syrian government wants, Iran will have a presence [in Syria]. Those who have entered Syria without the consent of the Syrian government should leave," he said in May.

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani also said in May that Tehran would maintain its advisory role in Syria and continue support for resistance groups.

Syria has also been clear on Iran's counter-terrorism mission in the Arab state, with Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad saying the pullout of the Iranian military advisers from the country is not up for discussion.

Source: Press TV