JERUSALEM (Sputnik) — Russia plays an important role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East and in ensuring Israel's security, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Tuesday.
"To our north, five armies are fighting each other – none of whom are friends of Israel… Russia has taken up an important role in this region in the conflict which will have [a] significant impact on Israel’s security – now and moving forward. Beyond these more urgent issues, Israel and Russia have much to be proud of in our bilateral relations," Rivlin told RIA Novosti.
Rivlin added that none of Syria's conflicting sides can be considered friendly to Israel. He also stressed the danger posed to Israel by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
"The spread of the Islamic State’s terror and hatred has penetrated even our borders," he said.