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Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-maturing-of-israeli-russian-relations
The Maturing of Israeli-Russian Relations
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Anna Borshchevskaya - Putin has pursued improved ties with Israel since he came into office in March 2000. Russian and Israeli officials hold meetings and telephone conversations on a regular basis and maintain multiple open channels of communication. The two countries have an agreement on visa-free tourist travel for their citizens. Israel is home to over a million immigrants from the former Soviet Union, and Russian is the third most popular language in Israel after Hebrew and English. Economic relations between the two countries have especially improved, exceeding $3 billion in 2014. In late 2015, according to press reports, Israel sold ten search drones to Russia. Yet significant differences between Israel and Russia remain. In March 2006, Hamas leaders came to Moscow at Putin's invitation. Putin denied that Hamas was a terrorist organization. Other major difficulties for Israel have included Moscow's support for Iran's nuclear program and arms trade with Syria - arms that could fall into the possession of Hizbullah. Moreover, Russia's preservation of Syrian President Assad's regime strengthens Iran's influence in the region, which is problematic for Israel.