Israel and Russia will continue consultations geared at resolving the nuclear standoff with Iran through peaceful means, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, adding that Israel-Russia relations are based on a “deep friendship.”

Putin arrived in Israel earlier in the day, in what Israeli officials hoped would be an opportunity to recruit Russia’s government to join their efforts against Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking following a lengthy meeting between Netanyahu and Putin later in the day, the Russian leader said that he felt he was “among friends,” adding that the ties between Israel and Russia were ones of “deep friendship, not something that will pass, and that will endure in the future.”

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“We held a thorough discussion of the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, and, even in the current situation, I estimate that we will continue to consult and work together, and that these issues will be resolved peacefully for the good of all sides,” Putin added.

Netanyahu spoke at the press conference for the need to restart peace talks with the Palestinians, saying: “One of two things can happen. Either [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas comes over here, or I go over there. Either way, we must start talking.”

For more, go to Haaretz.com

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