The two discussed Gaza in the context of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the status of Iran's nuclear program, and more.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed developments in the Middle East in a phone call on Saturday, the Prime Minister's Office and the Kremlin said in a joint statement.

The two focused on the situation in the Gaza Strip, especially regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The pair also discussed the status of Iran's nuclear program and issues related to further stabilization efforts in Syria.

The Prime Minister's Office said that the conversation took place at the Russian leader's request.

The Kremlin called the conversation "a thorough exchange of views."

Russia, Israel touch base on Gaza War

The two previously spoke on the phone last month about the US brokered ceasefire deal, with the Russian leader reaffirming Moscow's position "in favor of a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue."

Like their discussion on Saturday, their conversation last month tackled issues surrounding Iran and Syria. Before October, the two had spoken on the phone in August.

KAN News reported earlier this year that Netanyahu’s office has been working closely with Russia in an effort to resolve several different issues, including the tension between the US and Russia following Putin’s insistence on continuing the war in Ukraine.

This also comes after Russia proposed its own draft of a UN resolution on Gaza on Thursday in a challenge to a US effort to pass its own text at the Security Council that would endorse the US-brokered Gaza deal.

Russia's UN mission said in a note to Security Council members on Thursday afternoon, seen by Reuters, that its "counter-proposal is inspired by the US draft."

"The objective of our draft is to enable the Security Council to develop a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities," the note said.

The Russian draft, also seen by Reuters, requests that the UN Secretary-General identify options for an international stabilization force for Gaza, and does not mention the "Board of Peace" that the US has proposed as a transitional administration for Gaza.