Lieberman Meets Russian Leaders

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, the infamous, outspoken MK of Yisrael Beiteinu, met with high ranking Russian officials this week. Lieberman, a native Russian speaker, met with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, President Dmitry Medvedev, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

These high profile meetings were reported as light hearted with a goal of “strengthening Russian-Israeli relations and renewing the Middle East peace process.” (AFP)

Russia’s main goal is to become a bigger player in the Middle East peace process. Russia is planning to host a Middle East Peace Summit later this year, though Israel has threatened to boycott if Hamas is invited.

Israel’s primary goal is to drive a wedge between Russia and enemy Iran. Russia has been a major player in Iran’s nuclear program.