Netanyahu and Putin Hold Strategic Talks on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Competing UN Peace Proposals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a telephone conversation to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, as confirmed by statements from both governments.

Netanyahu's office released a statement indicating that the conversation occurred on Saturday evening at Putin's initiative, following several previous discussions on regional matters. No further details about the content of their talks were provided.

The Russian presidency revealed that the leaders exchanged detailed views on recent developments in Gaza in light of the ceasefire agreement, Iran's nuclear program, and efforts toward further stabilization in Syria, among other regional issues.

This conversation takes place amid diplomatic tensions at the United Nations. Russia recently introduced its own draft UN resolution on Gaza, presenting an alternative to the US proposal that supports President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.

According to media reports, the American proposal advocates for an international stabilization force in Gaza with substantial independence from the UN while allowing Israel to maintain control over the security perimeter around Gaza for an unspecified duration.

President Trump has explicitly stated that US troops would not be deployed to Gaza as part of the proposed 20,000-strong international force.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the adoption of the US resolution, noting that "good progress" was being made in negotiations regarding its language.

In contrast, Russia's proposal emphasizes creating an international stabilization force under direct UN authority, opposes any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, and strongly advocates for implementing the two-state solution.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the call on social media, stating that Putin and Netanyahu exchanged views on the Middle East situation in light of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detained persons.