Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East with Netanyahu

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Kremlin press service reported.

"Various aspects of the tense situation in the Middle East were discussed. The Russian side reaffirmed its unwavering position in favor of an exclusively peaceful settlement of the problems and conflicts in the region," the statement said.

In particular, Putin emphasized the importance of supporting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, strengthening its domestic political stability through respect for the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic and religious groups of the population.

"Considering the recent escalation of the Iranian-Israeli confrontation, the Russian side has indicated its readiness to do everything possible to help find a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear program," the statement said.

The leaders of the two countries agreed to continue the dialogue on current issues on the international and bilateral agenda.

Recall that on July 13, it became known about an attack by Syrian armed groups on a number of Druze (ethnic groups supported by the Israeli government - ed.) settlements in the province of As-Suwayda, as a result of which the highway connecting the province with Damascus was also blocked. To protect the civilian population, Druze self-defense units entered the battle with armed gangs.

In order to support the Druze, on July 16, the Israel Defense Forces struck the entrance gate to the Syrian General Headquarters in Damascus. Amid the escalation with Syria, the IDF also announced its readiness to transfer two divisions to the Golan Heights.

On July 19, the US Ambassador to Turkey and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barak announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed to a ceasefire. Following this, Syria's transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a comprehensive ceasefire in the country. The authorities warned that violating the ceasefire would be considered a violation of the country's sovereignty and would entail legal measures.

Reprinted from https://am.sputniknews.ru/