Putin: Israel did not shoot down Russian jet, situation needs more investigation
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFUpdated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 16:19
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the downing of a Russian jet by Syrian anti-aircraft missiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria was a "tragic chain of circumstance" but said the country needed to investigate the matter further, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Overnight on Monday, an Israeli strike in Syria resulted in the deaths of 15 Russians after a Syrian anti-aircraft missile struck the jet in response. On Tuesday, Israel "expressed regret" for the incident.Putin said Russia's response will be dictated toward securing the safety of Russians operating in Syria, Reuters reported.Putin said Israel did not shoot down the plane.Earlier, an Israeli diplomatic source said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to have a phone call with Putin, but provided no further details. RIA, a Russian news agency, cited the Kremlin's spokesperson as saying Putin may have a call with Netanyahu on Tuesday.Jerusalem educator arrested sexually assaulting underage students
