Reverse Course: Now Russia Hits Out at Israel over Warplane Loss

A photo taken on July 23, 2006 shows an Russian IL-20M (Ilyushin 20m) plane landing at an
NIKITA SHCHYUKIN/AFP/Getty

The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv took to Twitter on Thursday to attack Israel over the downing of Russia’s surveillance aircraft with the loss of 15 crew.

“Moscow views as irresponsible and unfriendly actions of Israeli Air Force, which exposed Russian Il-20 aircraft to danger and lead to death of 15 servicemen,” the mission broadcast on its Twitter account.

It then warned, “Russia would take all necessary measures to eliminate threat to life and security of our military fighting against terrorism.”

The Ilyushin Il-20 surveillance aircraft was downed Monday in a friendly fire incident by Syria’s Russian-made S-200 air defense system.

The attack by Russia’s envoys reverses the considered and in some way concillitory response of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in the days since the incident.

Just yesterday, Mr. Putin confirmed Israel did not shoot down the reconnaisance plane, saying instead it was a “chain of tragic accidental circumstances.”

Israel’s air force commander is leading a delegation to Moscow today to share the military’s findings on the affair.

As Breitbart Jerusalem reported, the Russia-bound delegation, led by Major-General Amikam Norkin, will “present the situation report… regarding all aspects” of the incident.

Follow Simon Kent on Twitter: or e-mail to: skent@breitbart.com

 

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