Israel, Russia Affirm Anti-Terrorism Alliance

Israel, Russia Affirm Anti-Terrorism Alliance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speaks as his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev reacts while they deliver joint statements following their meeting in Jerusalem, on Nov. 10, 2016. (HEIDI LEVINE/AFP/Getty Images)
The Associated Press
11/10/2016
Updated:
11/10/2016

JERUSALEM—The Russian and Israeli leaders have declared themselves partners in a battle against global terrorism.

Dmitry Medvedev told his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that terrorism threatens Israel in a “very unique way.” But Russia also suffers from terror with what he called “common roots,” he added at a meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday.

“This is why there is a need to fight terror together,” Medvedev said.

Netanyahu said the two countries, along with the United States and other nations, share a struggle against radical Islam and the Islamic State group.

Netanyahu also said Israel would not allow Iran to turn neighboring Syria into a base of military operations. Both Russia and Iran have backed Syrian President Bashar Assad in his war against rebel groups.