OREANDA-NEWSRussian President Vladimir Putin over the phone discussed the situation in Syria with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was reported on the Kremlin website.

“Some topical issues on the bilateral agenda and the situation in Syria were discussed”, the report said. Putin also congratulated Netanyahu on his 70th birthday, emphasizing the importance of Russia-Israel relations in enhancing regional security and stability.

Turkey on October 9 launched the military operation "Source of Freedom" in northeastern Syria. The purpose of the operation was the destruction of the Kurdish "Self-Defense Units" and the "Syrian Democratic Forces", which Ankara considers terrorist. Turkey’s operation was condemned in the USA, Europe and the League of Arab States. On October 17, Washington and Ankara agreed on a temporary armistice for 120 hours. During this period, the Kurds should move 32 km from the border with Turkey, after which Turkey will establish a security zone there.