Netanyahu-Putin Ties Fray as Russia Shifts Middle East Role After Ukraine Invasion

Netanyahu and Putin maintained "warm communication" despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ties with Iran. This has now ended after a Hamas attack on Israel.

Putin did not call Netanyahu to express condolences over the 1,300 Israelis killed in the Hamas attack. This highlights shifts in Russia's Middle East role since the Ukraine war.

In exchange for drones, Russia provided Iran with aircraft and may sell fighter jets, altering Middle East air force balances.

The Kremlin welcomes conflict far from Russia's borders ahead of March elections, seeking distraction from Ukraine.

Hamas welcomed Russia's "efforts aimed at ending Israel's aggression," further straining Netanyahu-Putin ties.