“Shouldn’t We Send a Messenger?” or “Secret Diplomacy”: Why Netanyahu is Sending His Emissary to Moscow

“Whoever tries to negotiate with Putin always ends up losing” — this is a lesson the whole world should have learned long ago.

The Israeli government sent an emissary to Moscow: where do these secret moves lead?

Russia continues its attempts to negotiate with the new regime in Syria regarding the preservation of its naval bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. But now, Israel is helping it — Ynet reported this on March 1, 2025.

The military secretary of the head of state, Major General Roman Gofman, recently made a secret trip to Moscow, where he discussed, among other things, the “Syrian issue”.

Earlier, Reuters reported that Israel supports the idea of maintaining Russia’s presence in Syria. The official argument: if Moscow leaves, Turkey will gain unlimited influence in the country and turn it into a base for terrorists.

But is this the real reason?

During his visit to Moscow, Major General Roman Gofman held a series of meetings aimed at discussing cooperation between Israel and Russia. It was stated that Israeli interests remain a priority.

Gofman is considered one of the closest figures to the head of state, especially amid tensions with outgoing Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. Previously, he had already carried out secret diplomatic missions in other countries, and he was chosen for the Moscow trip partly due to his fluency in Russian.

One of the goals of the negotiations, according to Israeli officials, was “to involve Russia in pressuring Hamas to speed up the release of hostages”, including Russian citizen Maxim Kharkin. How effective such an appeal to Moscow will be remains unclear, but in Jerusalem, according to a source, “all available mechanisms are being considered”.

A dangerous course: why is Israel helping Russia?

The Israeli government keeps making the same mistakes over and over again.

• The danger of Turkey’s influence in the region exists, but does it justify cooperation with the Kremlin?
• But Hamas is also openly supported by Moscow. Its representatives are regularly welcomed in the Kremlin, and Putin justifies terrorist attacks on Israel.
• Maintaining Russia’s influence in Syria also means preserving Iran’s influence. This, in turn, allows Tehran to continue supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

And Israel is laying the groundwork for the worst-case scenario by lobbying the Trump administration.

It seems that the calculations of the Israeli leadership are far from the country’s security interests.

The Kremlin, Hamas, Iran: a dangerous web of intrigues

Moscow is not just a “friend” of Iran — it has built an entire terrorist axis aimed at both Ukraine and Israel.

• The Russian leadership regularly meets with Hamas and supports its propaganda.
• Russia supplies weapons to Iran and shields its “peaceful” nuclear program.
• Moscow justifies Hamas and accuses Israel of “genocide against Palestinians.”

“Israel is playing with fire if it is truly negotiating to preserve Russian bases,” says an analyst at Ynet.

These military bases serve as supply hubs for Hezbollah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon and Syria.

How will this affect Israel?

If Moscow keeps its bases, this will lead to:

• Strengthening Iran’s position in Syria.
• Boosting Hezbollah, which will receive new arms shipments.
• Further collaboration between Russia and Hamas.

Israel risks falling into a trap if it bets on the Kremlin.

What’s next?

The big question remains: how will the U.S. react to this?

Previously, the Biden administration considered easing sanctions on Syria in exchange for Russia’s troop withdrawal. Now, Israel is interfering in this process by lobbying for Russia to stay.

Ankara will also take notice. Turkey has long sought to become the dominant power in Syria, and if Israel backs Moscow, this could trigger a new diplomatic crisis.

But the real question is even bigger.

Can the Kremlin be trusted at all?

“Whoever tries to negotiate with Putin always ends up losing” — this is a lesson the whole world should have learned long ago.

Conclusion: Israel is walking a dangerous path

The actions of the Israeli government look increasingly alarming.

• Keeping Russian bases in Syria will only strengthen Israel’s enemies.
• Any cooperation with the Kremlin will give Russia more leverage.
• Moscow has betrayed its “partners” before — and it will do so again.

Read more on NAnews – News of Israel.