Israel’s hawkish veteran Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister Thursday after a stint in opposition, heading what analysts call the most right-wing government in the country’s history.
“I hope that the new government under your leadership will continue the line of strengthening Russian-Israeli cooperation in all areas for the benefit of our peoples, in the interest of ensuring peace and security in the Middle East,” Putin said in a message to Netanyahu, quoted in the statement.
“In Russia, we greatly appreciate your personal and long-standing contribution to strengthening friendly relations between our countries,” Putin said.
After the beginning of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February, Israel adopted a cautious position towards Moscow, seeking to maintain neutrality.
Israel has particularly emphasised the special ties between the two nations, as Israel has more than a million citizens from the former Soviet Union.
