The Jerusalem Post published an article by Isi Leibler headlined "Candidly speaking: The Putin visit in retrospect."
"The recent visit to Israel by Russian President Vladimir Putin represents yet another example of the extraordinary and unpredictable events continuously impacting on Israel and the Jewish people," the article reads.
"His visit to Israel unquestionably sends clear signals. Even recognizing major divergence of policies in relation to Iran and Syria, and that Putin’s tensions with the United States and interests in the Arab world preclude us from considering him a partner, it sends a message to the Arabs that Russia is not an enthusiastic ally in their efforts to undermine the Jewish state," the author says.
"Russia is a far cry from a Western democracy, but it is also not comparable to the former Soviet totalitarian regime and less authoritarian than the Chinese communist model. Like any nation state – particularly one under siege – we are obliged to indulge in some forms of realpolitik to protect our national interests. We should therefore welcome the easing of tensions and establishment of diplomatic ties and seek to strengthen the relationship with Russia – as long as we do so with our eyes wide open," the article reads.
