What Happened: Russia reportedly gave Israel the green light to strike Iranian targets in southwest Syria it deems a threat, so long as the sites are not linked to Syrian President Bashar al Assad's government, Haaretz reported June 1.
Why It Matters: Israel has recently increased attacks against Iranian targets in Syria. Russia is likely trying to avoid getting caught in a regional confrontation between the two adversaries.
Background: Russia and Israel reached a deal that includes removing Iranian forces from southwest Syria to avoid a broader regional clash between Israel and Iran.
Read More:
- Syria: Why Iran Would Sit Out an Upcoming Offensive (May 30, 2018)
- Now or Never: Israel Makes Its Move Against Iran (May 17, 2018)
- Why Israel is Keeping Its Warplanes Close to Home (April 19, 2018)
