Israel is closely monitoring what it considers to be Russia's ongoing influence in Syria following President Vladimir Putin's announcement on Monday that he would pull most of his jet fighters out of the war-torn country.

Despite some initial fears of a Russia-Iran axis on its northern border, the Israeli government was largely satisfied with the level of military co-operation Moscow maintained with Jerusalem throughout its operation.

From Mr Putin downwards, the Russians took Israel's security concerns into consideration and IDF operations continued more or less as always.

This week, President Reuven Rivlin visited Moscow, carrying messages from Mr Netanyahu. It was a clear signal that Israel, at least, still believes Russia will play a central role in the region's future.