Amid rising U.S.–Russia tensions over Ukraine, PM Benjamin Netanyahu is quietly engaging both sides — including two direct talks with Putin — in a bid to de-escalate the crisis with Trump’s awareness
Jerusalem — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing an active behind-the-scenes role in easing tensions between Washington and Moscow, with the full knowledge and consent of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a Kan report.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday — their second conversation in a week. These talks are part of a series of discreet and public engagements with Russian officials in recent weeks, all aimed at defusing high-stakes friction between the U.S. and Russia.
The urgency comes amid heightened tensions following Trump’s decision to deploy nuclear submarines to the region, signaling a direct show of force. The war in Ukraine and Putin’s determination to press ahead militarily have only deepened the geopolitical rift.
Two sources close to Netanyahu confirmed that Trump had been fully briefed on both calls with Putin, including their contents. The Israeli leader’s intervention marks a rare moment of active mediation between two global powers, leveraging Israel’s unique diplomatic ties with both Washington and Moscow.
While details of the conversations remain undisclosed, Netanyahu’s efforts underscore Israel’s potential role as a quiet intermediary in one of the most dangerous standoffs of the decade.
