JERUSALEM (JTA) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to Russia, Israeli dailies reported.
Yediot Achronot reported Wednesday that Netanyahu had traveled to Russia on a leased private jet, where he reportedly discussed new weapons deals between Russia and Iran.
Ha’aretz said Wednesday that a "senior Jerusalem official" confirmed the visit, and that Military Affairs Secretary Gen. Meir Kalifi and National Security Advisor Uzi Arad accompanied Netanyahu to Moscow.
Netanyahu on Monday had been reported to be "at a defense facility in Israel since morning," according to a statement released that afternoon from the Prime Minister’s Office, despite rumors that he had traveled to an Arab country to discuss cooperating in the face of the Iranian nuclear threat.
The Prime Minister’s Office told Yediot that Netanyahu had not left Israel.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were informed about the trip, Ha’aretz said, but were not permitted to tell anyone at their respective ministries.
