organizations which represent the greatest threat to the security of our country." Russian military and diplomatic relations with Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin met with leaders of both Israel and the Palestinian National Authority during a visit to the region in June 2012. During the visit, one prominent Israeli host was the country's foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, known for his popularity amongst the large community of Russian-Israelis Arab commentators were also quick to point out how this visit, which carried with it indications of closer Russian-Israeli cooperation in energy and military technology, could usher in a break in a perceived, long-standing Arab-Russian alliance. Russia recognized West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017. According to an Al Jazeera report, Moscow's approach to the Israel-Palestinian dispute is to support both opposing sides simultaneously. See also Iran–Russia relations Ivan Safronov Israel–Russia relations References External links America, Russia, and the Greater Middle East. Challenges and Opportunities (PDF) by Geoffrey Kemp and Paul Saunders (The Nixon Center) November 2003 Russia in the Middle East: is Putin undertaking a new strategy? by Dr. Robert Freedman (Middle East Institute) February 10, 2005 Putin denies Russia destabilising Middle East by James Rose (The Times Online) April 28, 2005 Russia in the Middle East (U.S. Library of Congress. Country Studies) The Bear Is Back. Russia's Middle Eastern adventures by Ilan Berman (National Review Online) February 18, 2005 Russia is Ready for Dialogue With HAMAS by Michel Elbaz, Sami Rosen, Pavel Simonov. February 3, 2006 The Middle East and Russia's New Game February 15, 2006 Moscow urges Hamas to transform (BBC) Russia-Hamas talks anger Israel (BBC) Reuters: Russia says Hamas ready to extend ceasefire (with picture) ABC: Russia sets up Hamas talks Stanislav Belkovsky Riddle of Vladimir Putin Russia Might Get Involved in the Middle East Conflict Further reading Dangerous Drift: Russia's Middle East Policy by Eugene Rumer (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 2000) Iran–Israel proxy conflict Hamas Hezbollah Israel–Russia relations Iran–Russia relations Multilateral relations of Russia