Netanyahu and Putin Discuss Middle East Tensions in Phone Call as Russia Counters US Gaza Proposal :

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. According to statements from both governments, the call took place on Saturday evening at Putin’s initiative and touched on a broad range of regional issues, including the fragile situation in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and ongoing developments in Syria. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the call but offered few details, noting only that the discussion followed a series of previous conversations between the two leaders on regional matters. The statement stopped short of describing any agreements or next steps, reflecting the sensitive nature of the topics under review. The Russian presidency, however, provided a more detailed overview, saying that Putin and Netanyahu exchanged views extensively on the recent developments in Gaza, “in light of the ceasefire.” Their discussion also included Iran’s nuclear activities—an issue of long-standing concern for both Israel and the broader international community—as well as efforts to stabilize Syria, where Russia remains deeply involved militarily and politically. The call comes at a moment of heightened diplomatic maneuvering at the United Nations, where the United States and Russia have put forward competing draft resolutions concerning Gaza’s future. On Thursday, Moscow submitted its own proposal to the UN Security Council, challenging the US-backed initiative designed to support President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. According to media reports, the US resolution envisions the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza, one that would operate with broad independence from the UN. The proposal also grants Israel continued authority over the security perimeter surrounding Gaza for an unspecified duration—an element likely to draw criticism from countries advocating for Palestinian autonomy. Despite concerns, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he remained optimistic, noting on Wednesday that “good progress” was being made in negotiations over the language of the text. The proposed US-supported force would consist of approximately 20,000 personnel. However, President Trump has firmly ruled out sending American troops to participate, underscoring Washington’s desire to shape the post-conflict environment without committing ground forces. Russia’s rival resolution takes a markedly different approach. Moscow’s draft calls for an international stabilization force placed directly under UN authority, a move that would limit unilateral control by any single country. The proposal also firmly opposes any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza—language signaling Russia’s rejection of efforts that could alter the population balance or borders in the region. Additionally, Moscow’s draft stresses the importance of pursuing a two-state solution, urging renewed commitment to a framework that many in the international community view as the only sustainable path to long-term peace. While neither side has disclosed whether their leaders made progress toward bridging these competing positions, the Putin-Netanyahu phone call highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics shaping the debate over Gaza’s reconstruction and security arrangements. With both Washington and Moscow seeking to influence the outcome, the coming days at the United Nations are expected to reveal whether the Security Council can find common ground—or whether competing visions will deepen the international divide over Gaza’s future.

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