Report: Netanyahu Made Secret Trip to Russia

According to the Hebrew language daily Yediot Aharonot, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret trip to Moscow on Monday where it's believed he discussed arms sales to Iran and Syria. Netanyahu's office issued no denial.

However, a trip by the prime minister to Russia may not be an impromptu decision, as there was already speculation during Netanyahu's tour of Europe two weeks ago that he would visit Russia ahead of the United Nations' General Assembly meeting at the end of this month.

A main issue that may have been discussed between Netanyahu and the Russians is the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, considered the best of its kind in the world today. Iran has long attempted to procure the system from Russia in order to protect its nuclear installations. Israel sees Iran getting hold of the S-300 as tipping the balance of power in the region and has been continually exerting pressure on Russia not to supply Iran with the system.

Frankly, I'd suggest that Netanyahu discussed more than S-300 missiles. He's a big picture-type who looks toward the future and Iran's vision of the future includes the annihilation of Israel. I'm fairly certain that Netanyahu's discussion with Medvedev included the question, "What would Russia do if threatened with annihilation?"

Granted, it's a rhetorical question but a true characterization, I believe, of Netanyahu's mindset nonetheless. Russia is capable of interceding for the sake of Middle East stability. Whether that happens remains to be seen.