Netanyahu Uses Putin Channel to Convey De-Escalation Message to Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sent a diplomatic message to Iran through Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that Israel is not seeking war with the Islamic Republic, according to a Monday report by KAN News.

The message, relayed during a recent phone call between Netanyahu and Putin, comes amid heightened tensions between Jerusalem and Tehran. Citing diplomatic sources, the report suggests that Netanyahu made the outreach to prevent further escalation, asking Putin to convey Israel’s desire for calm and stability in the region.

This isn’t the first time Putin has acted as a go-between. Back in October, the Russian president told the TASS News Agency that Israel had already signaled it was “not interested in an escalation,” relaying that message to the Iranian regime.

“We are continuing our talks with Israel and are receiving signals from the Israeli leadership with a request to convey to our Iranian friends a message that Israel is seeking a settlement and is not interested in any kind of conflict,” Putin stated at the time.

However, Netanyahu’s outreach to reduce tensions did not come without a stern warning. During a heated Knesset debate on Monday, the prime minister made clear that if Iran initiates hostilities, Israel will respond with force. “If we are attacked by Iran, the consequences will be severe,” Netanyahu declared.

He also reiterated Israel’s firm red lines regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile ambitions: “Our position is zero enrichment capability, the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran, and continuous oversight of nuclear facilities.”

As protests continue inside Iran against the regime, Netanyahu added that “we may be standing at a decisive moment in which the Iranian people will take their fate into their own hands,” hinting at possible internal change driven by grassroots opposition.

While Israel remains vigilant in countering Iran’s regional ambitions and nuclear program, Netanyahu’s message through Putin reflects a calculated diplomatic effort to avoid open war even as deterrence remains central to Israel’s posture.

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