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Putin's Displays of Good Will Are Welcome after Decades of Soviet Hostility
(Bloomberg) Zev Chafets - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Moscow Thursday where Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that it was Russian soldiers in Syria who had discovered the remains of Sargent Zachary Baumel, missing in action since 1982. The return of Baumel's body has riveted the public. The Israel Defense Forces have made an almost sacred principle of leaving no one's son or daughter on the battlefield. After 37 years, surprised and astonished, the country rejoiced. Putin's displays of good will are a welcome contrast to decades of Soviet hostility. Most important, Putin has not so far prevented Israel from fighting Iran-sponsored forces in Syria and Lebanon. The writer served for five years as director of the Israel Government Press Office.