https://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/
The Russian military has delivered a significant challenge to Vladimir Putin. The Russian spy plane shot down by Syrian gunners was a manifestation of a major disconnect between the Russian President and his military over whether the Russian and Syrian Air Forces should defend Iranian operations in Syria. The Russian military sides with Iran and has displayed considerable hostility to Israel, neither of which is part of Putin’s approach to the Middle East or, for that matter, to the future of Russia.
Russia saved the Syrian regime from collapse by bringing in air power and encouraging the Iranians and their allies the Lebanese Hezbollah to provide renewed muscle for ground fighting. Russia brought in its top aircraft including the Su-35, protected its main base Khmeimim with the formidable S-400 Triumf missile defense system and worked out a deal with Israel. Iran contributed large numbers of Shiite mercenaries, including Jihadi fighters, Pakistani and Afghan men and children, led by Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers.
An Israel-Russia deal instituted a deconfliction system so Israel could maintain certain red lines in Syria without encountering Russian fighter aircraft or missiles launched from Khmeimim. The deal was recently upgraded to keep Syrian, Iranian and Hezbollah forces away from the border with Israel.
Israel’s Interests
One Israeli red line is the acquisition by Hezbollah of sophisticated missiles. Iranians transports missiles to Hezbollah through Syria because the military part of the Damascus airport is heavily defended unlike Beirut (the alternative option) and because the airbase is better protected against commando operations.