Issue Under Fire: Putin Missile Defense Sales to Iran Enrage Netanyahu

Issue Under Fire: Putin Missile Defense Sales to Iran Enrage Netanyahu 

While the Iran-P5+1 nuclear talks resumes in Vienna tomorrow, its the behind the scene developments that's keeping this story interesting and engaging. And the row developing between Moscow and Tel-Aviv over the sale of a sophisticated missile defense system, capable of defending Iran's coveted nuclear program is a most interesting development indeed. Even more interesting, is the fact that Israel couldn't stop the sale.  

During the break in the talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree, authorizing the deal. Undoubtedly aware such an action would anger the Israelis, the Russian president simply stated the missile system was for defensive purposes and provide no threat to Israel. Once the decree was signed, the 800 million deal was done and there was no further discussion. 

Unlike the United States, there's no way to influence Russia's Legislative branch to challenge Vladimir Putin's authority on anything. Here in the U.S., if  Prime Minister Netanyahu wanted to put the kibosh on a foreign policy issue that failed to meet the security concerns of the State of Israel, a simply phone call to the right members of Congress, and that foreign policy issues would no longer be an issue. 

Still, we're talking about Benjamin Netanyahu, a man known for pushing limits and testing boundaries. So, it was no surprise when he threatened to send arms to Ukraine in retaliation for the weapons sales Russia made to Iran. By getting lethal arms into the hands of Ukraine's government forces, Israel could make fighting more difficult for Russian backed rebels, as they continue to struggle for independence.  

Unfortunately, Russia is not the United States, as Putin sternly warned Israel, providing deadly weapons to Ukraine would be a mistake. "This is a choice, a choice of the Israeli leadership; they have the right to do what they consider appropriate. I think it is counterproductive, if it concerns lethal weapons, because it will only lead to another swirl of confrontation, to more human casualties, but the result will be same," Putin said in an interview.  

Bottom line: Considering Israel, like the Americans, can't possibly provide Ukraine with enough weapons or military support to win the conflict against Russian backed rebels, to provide just enough weapons to remain combative, but not competitive on the battlefield is reckless, irresponsible and inhumane.

Putin essentially told Israel and the West, Russia can't be intimidated and if Israel and the West, didn't want further complications, it would be wise to back off. And believe it or not, they did just that. Podcast Below!