Russia’s Chief Rabbi makes ‘secret’ trip to Iran

Hebrew-language Channel 7 TV in Israel has revealed that the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, has recently made a diplomatic visit to Iran. It was, Quds Press has reported, a “secret mission” commissioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin although when asked on Friday, officials in Moscow and Tel Aviv refused to disclose the date of the visit or its purpose.

The task of Rabbi Lazar, one of the most influential figures in Russia and very close to Putin, is believed to be linked to Israeli efforts to prevent Iran from positioning itself militarily in Syria, especially after the recent agreement to expand military cooperation between Damascus and Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated on more than one occasion that he is seeking to use diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from further involvement in Syria.