The first phone call in weeks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia resulted in conflicting accounts, reflecting the strained relationship between the two leaders since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.
Mr. Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s positions at the United Nations Security Council and criticized the cooperation between Russia and Iran, according to a statement from his office.
The Kremlin, on the other hand, stated that the focus of the conversation was on the “catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.”
Russia backed a United Nations resolution for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, while the United States blocked the resolution, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas attacks.
Mr. Netanyahu also criticized Russia’s ties with Iran, referencing the close relationship between the two countries fostered by the war in Ukraine.
Mr. Putin’s support for Israel was initially muted, but he has reiterated his position condemning Hamas attacks on Israel.
The Kremlin stated that Russia is ready to provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of civilians and de-escalate the conflict, while Mr. Netanyahu praised Russian efforts to free an Israeli citizen with Russian citizenship from captivity in Gaza.