Russia has formally requested that Israel avoid aerial strikes near its strategic air base in Syria, specifically around Hmeimim, where Russian forces are stationed. The plea comes amid intensifying regional hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia group with close ties to Iran, which Moscow also indirectly supports through its alliance with the Syrian government. Alexander Lavrentiev, the special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Middle East, confirmed the request on Wednesday, highlighting Russian concerns for its troops’ safety in the area.
The message from Moscow underscores the rising tension in the region, particularly around Latakia, a Syrian city with significant Russian and Syrian government assets. Latakia has rarely been targeted in Israel’s extensive air campaign in Syria. However, in mid-October, Syrian state media claimed an Israeli strike had struck this sensitive area, potentially threatening Russian personnel.
Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian special envoy, confirmed to RIA Novosti that the October incident near the Hmeimim air base has prompted a formal warning to Israel. Lavrentiev emphasized that any future strikes near Hmeimim, a critical Russian base, could endanger Russian military personnel, adding that Russia’s Ministry of Defense had conveyed this risk directly to Israeli authorities.
“We hope that this incident in October will not be repeated,” Lavrentiev said, noting that Moscow considers attacks close to Russian forces “unacceptable.” Israel’s air strikes in Syria are frequently aimed at disrupting Hezbollah and Iranian arms transfers; however, they generally avoid areas where Russian troops are stationed. This incident near Hmeimim appears to be an exception, prompting Moscow’s heightened concern.
The Hmeimim air base, located near Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, has been a critical stronghold for Russia since it began its intervention in the Syrian civil war in 2015. From this location, Russia has provided significant military support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, which has relied heavily on both Russian and Iranian assistance to maintain power. The airport near Hmeimim serves as a hub for Russian military operations, enabling Russia to protect its regional interests and project influence across the Middle East.
Latakia is known as a stronghold for Assad’s Alawite community and holds substantial political and strategic importance in the region. The recent Israeli strike, which reportedly targeted the Latakia port and airport, has raised alarms due to its proximity to Hmeimim, potentially putting Russian troops and infrastructure at risk.
The heightened activity comes at a moment of escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following an increase in skirmishes and cross-border exchanges since early September. Israel has also been deeply involved in an ongoing conflict with Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization allied with Hezbollah. Hostilities with Hamas have spilled over into broader regional conflicts, with Hezbollah’s involvement adding further complexity.
Israel has historically maintained that its strikes in Syria are aimed at preventing Hezbollah, backed by Iran, from stockpiling advanced weaponry or establishing stronger military footholds close to Israel’s borders. However, its air strikes are often cloaked in secrecy, with Israeli officials refraining from openly commenting on specific actions. Analysts suggest that Israel’s focus on Hezbollah has intensified due to the group’s support for Hamas and their shared goal of challenging Israeli influence in the region.
While Russia has not explicitly backed Hezbollah, its close alliance with Assad’s government indirectly aligns it with Iran’s regional interests, including Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian conflict. Russia has reportedly provided intelligence and logistics support to Syria, though Moscow denies allegations that it supplies Hezbollah directly. Lavrentiev made clear that Russian resources at Hmeimim are not being used to support Hezbollah, countering reports that Russian supply lines might be assisting the militia.
By maintaining its base at Hmeimim and working with Assad’s forces, Russia has positioned itself as a powerful stakeholder in Syria, exerting influence over regional dynamics. Yet Moscow has largely refrained from intervening directly in conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, preferring instead to maintain diplomatic channels with both nations.
Since Syria’s civil war erupted in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes against Syrian government assets and allied groups, including Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah fighters. Israel has long argued that these strikes are necessary to prevent Iran from establishing a significant presence near its northern border, a red line for Israeli security interests. The Israeli government asserts that Hezbollah uses Syrian territory to transport and stockpile weapons that could be deployed in potential conflicts with Israel, citing convoys moving through Syria as key targets.
Israel’s recent attacks appear to be part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s influence, which Israel perceives as an extension of Iranian power. However, as these airstrikes continue, Israel must also navigate the diplomatic tightrope of Russian relations, given Moscow’s involvement in Syria. For Israel, the objective remains clear: thwarting Hezbollah’s growth without triggering a direct confrontation with Russia.
Russia’s warning to Israel comes at a delicate moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, where multiple conflicts intersect, drawing in a range of regional and global powers. Moscow’s military base in Hmeimim serves as a critical asset for Russian operations, not only in Syria but also in projecting its influence across the Mediterranean. Protecting its personnel and infrastructure is paramount, making Israel’s actions near Hmeimim a point of contention.
Moscow’s caution may also reflect a balancing act in its foreign policy. Russia maintains a strategic partnership with Iran, Syria, and indirectly with Hezbollah, yet it has also cultivated a working relationship with Israel. Russia’s appeal to Israel to avoid strikes near Hmeimim demonstrates a commitment to avoiding direct confrontation, despite its interests in supporting Assad’s regime and maintaining stability in areas under Syrian control.
Israel’s stance in Syria aligns with its broader Middle Eastern policy to prevent Iran from building what Israeli officials have termed a “land bridge” from Tehran to the Mediterranean. Since the onset of Syria’s civil war, Israel has been proactive in trying to prevent this corridor from materializing, conducting preemptive strikes on shipments and assets that could fortify Hezbollah’s capabilities. Iran, however, has steadily bolstered Hezbollah’s strength in Lebanon and Syria through funding, weapons, and training, underscoring the deeply intertwined relationship between Tehran and Hezbollah.
Iranian leaders often publicly voice support for groups resisting Israeli influence, with Hezbollah as one of its primary regional allies. In response, Israel has amplified its surveillance and intelligence efforts to monitor suspected Iranian shipments and infrastructure projects in Syria, leading to frequent but targeted air strikes.
Syria has become a hotspot for proxy wars involving numerous powers. Iran has cemented its role as an ally of Assad’s government, utilizing Hezbollah as a key military asset on the ground. Russia’s involvement, while primarily aimed at stabilizing Assad’s rule, has indirectly benefited Iran’s strategy by strengthening Syria’s military capabilities.
For Russia, maintaining a stable Assad regime is not only about preserving a strategic ally but also about countering Western influence in the Middle East. By positioning itself as an influential force in Syria, Russia asserts a powerful regional presence, securing access to the Mediterranean through Syria’s coastal regions and expanding its reach into the Middle East. However, Russia’s role as a mediator could be jeopardized if Israeli strikes near Hmeimim escalate, potentially risking direct conflict.
Russia’s appeal to Israel for restraint may open up diplomatic avenues for easing the broader Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Moscow’s unique positioning as a Syrian ally and a partner with Israel could make it an effective mediator, though the odds of substantive de-escalation remain uncertain. The situation remains volatile, with both Israel and Hezbollah showing no signs of backing down from their entrenched positions.
For the time being, Moscow’s priority is ensuring the safety of its personnel in Syria. While Russia continues to support Assad’s government and, by extension, Iran’s position in the region, it is unlikely to tolerate actions that directly endanger Russian forces. Lavrentiev’s remarks underscore Russia’s commitment to safeguarding its own interests, a signal that may temper Israel’s actions near Hmeimim.
