Netanyahu uses Putin to warn Iran against attacking Israel amid heightened military drills.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using Russian President Vladimir Putin as a backchannel to send calming messages to Iran, according to Kan 11 News, citing diplomatic sources. The effort aims to prevent escalation amid rising tensions, with Netanyahu warning Iran that any attack on Israel would trigger severe consequences. The move comes as Iran conducts military drills involving missile launches and air-defense tests, raising concerns in Israel and the U.S. that the exercises may mask offensive preparations. The Kremlin has not confirmed the reports, and details of the messages remain unclear.