Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin wants to visit Israel in June, and has expressed interest in unveiling a monument in Netanya honoring Jewish Red Army soldiers who fought in World War 2. There have been no talks about specific arrangements because Putin has yet to be inaugurated but after he is sworn in on May 7, Israel is expected to begin preparing for his visit. Since Putin was elected president earlier this month, senior Russian officials have made several requests to the Foreign Ministry regarding Putin's interest in visiting Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Putin earlier this month to congratulate him on winning the presidential election. Putin last visited Israel in April 2005, when Ariel Sharon was prime minister.
Be the first to comment