Israel wants Russia to take part in peace efforts aimed at ending the Jewish state’s conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Ynet news and several other local outlets have reported, citing officials involved in negotiations. According to the reports, West Jerusalem expects that Moscow’s involvement could add stability to any future deal and reduce dependence on the US.

“The Russians will have a special role in implementing the agreement and preventing further escalation,” a source told Ynet.

Commenting on the reports, Orna Mizrahi, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser, told Newsweek that while Israel “prefers the Americans,” it understands that Russia’s “good relations” with Iran could contribute to the stability of any deal on Lebanon reached in the future.

“Another point is the fact that they are part of the UN Security Council five and if we get to the point that we have some kind of a new resolution about the ceasefire in the UN Security Council, we would like the Russians to approve it,” she said.

RT