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Israel Limits Security Cooperation with Russia
(Defense News) Barbara Opall-Rome - Israel has forfeited some $1 billion in defense trade and dual-use development projects with Russia due to a delicately balanced policy aimed at preserving the vital interests of the U.S. Given ongoing U.S.-Russian geopolitical posturing and recent tensions over Ukraine, Israel must remain sensitive to the interests of its key ally in Washington, Israeli officials say. "We could gain from Russia billions of dollars," a senior Israel Ministry of Defense official said. Even more important is Moscow's unique capacity to influence Israel's strategic standing in the region through its ties to enemy states such as Iran and Syria. "We obviously gained greatly from Russia's decision to cancel a huge S300PMU [air defense] contract with Iran," he said. But, he added, "We need to be concerned about U.S. concerns."