Putin Pledges More Cooperation With Israel Against 'International Terrorism'

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 7.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow will strengthen its cooperation with Israel to fight against terrorists.

Speaking on June 7 after talks in Moscow with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Putin said the two countries need "to pool efforts to counter international terrorism."

He said both Russia and Israel have vast experience in countering extremism and were "unconditional allies" when it comes to the fight against terror.

Netanyahu said Russia and Israel face common threats and have much to discuss.

While Russia has been ramping up its military role in Syria with air strikes and other support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israel has largely stayed out of the conflict.

But Netanyahu has confirmed that his country operates over the border to prevent the Lebanese militant group Hizballah from obtaining powerful weapons.

Netanyahu said in April that closer military coordination with Russia was needed to avoid "potential mistakes, misunderstandings, and incidents."

Based on reporting by TASS, Interfax, AP, and Reuters