Israel, Russia affirm anti-terrorism alliance

JERUSALEM – The Russian and Israeli leaders have declared themselves partners in a battle against global terrorism.

Dmitry Medvedev told his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that terrorism threatens Israel in a “very unique way.” But Russia also suffers from terror with what he called “common roots,” he added at a meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday.

“This is why there is a need to fight terror together,” Medvedev said.

Netanyahu said the two countries, along with the United States and other nations, share a struggle against radical Islam and the Islamic State group.

Netanyahu also said Israel would not allow Iran to turn neighbouring Syria into a base of military operations. Both Russia and Iran have backed Syrian President Bashar Assad in his war against rebel groups.