Putin unexpectedly sets conditions for Israel and the US to let Iran withdraw from Syria

President Putin is said to have proposed Iran's withdrawal from Syria to Israel.

According to Middleeast Monitor, in a closed session with the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed President Putin's proposal that Iran would withdraw its armed forces from Syria in exchange for the easing of sanctions against Iran not only from Israel but also from the United States.

Observers commented that this proposal shows a change in Russia's stance. Previously, Moscow emphasized that the presence of Iranian forces in Syria is legal and this is the first time Moscow has proposed that Iran withdraw its forces from Syria.

Uawire quoted sources as saying that it was unclear whether the above proposal was made during a short conversation between Mr. Netanyahu and President Putin in Paris recently.

Meanwhile, Middleeast Monitor confirmed that the proposal was made during a discussion between the two leaders in Paris on the sidelines of the 100th anniversary of World War I on November 11. At the time, Prime Minister Netanyahu described the discussion with the President as “very good and practical”.

However, Mr. Putin emphasized that Russia alone is not capable of asking Iran to withdraw its troops from Syria and needs support from other countries.

Members of the Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee who attended the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that the Israeli leader also shared that Russia and the United States are discussing ways to limit Iran's influence in Syria - including Russia's proposal to ease sanctions on Iran.

The Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv has refused to comment on the matter.