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Israel, Russia seek to cooperate on counterterrorism

Israel has sent intelligence officers to Russia and is hosting at least two senior Russian officers in Tel Aviv -- quietly moving to upgrade anti-terror cooperation with Moscow in the wake of a series of devastating attacks in Russia, officials told reporters.

The Israeli moves come as President Vladimir Putin revamps Russia's anti-terrorism capabilities after a school seizure by separatists in southern Russia ended with the deaths of at least 330 hostages, including many children.

A team of Israeli intelligence officers arrived discreetly in Russia shortly after the hostage standoff to discuss a program to share Israeli expertise, said three officials close to the mission.

Because of the political sensitivities surrounding the contacts, the officials asked that their names and nationalities not be revealed.

The officials said Russia was particularly interested in learning more about airport and air-traffic security in light of the Aug. 24 bombing of two Russian passenger jets.

The officials said the main purpose of the trip was to explain to Russia how Israel can help. The Israeli team has returned to Israel and is awaiting word on whether Russia will accept the offer of greater cooperation, the officials said.

At the same time, at least two senior Russian officers have arrived in Israel to examine a police anti-terrorism facility, said an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Details about the contacts remained sketchy. Both Israel and Russia have been loath to divulge much information about their plans to cooperate.

Israel's Shin Bet intelligence service and the Israeli Foreign ministry refused to confirm or deny the Israeli assistance.

Israel's vice premier, Ehud Olmert, said that there are continuous, ongoing contacts between the Israeli and Russian security services.

"I think there is a growing realization in Russia that they have to become more prepared for future terror attacks and that it's a good idea to compare notes with us," he said.

Israeli counterterror techniques are among the most sophisticated, and its open, no-strings-attached offer of assistance could provide a wealth of information.

But the cooperation poses problems for a Kremlin seeking to avoid alienating the Muslim world, where Russia has had long-standing political and economic ties. This is especially true of Iran, where Russia is helping to develop a nuclear energy program and maintaining a diplomatic and economic foothold.

Russia's Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor, said it had no information about new Israeli-Russian intelligence cooperation.

Spokesmen at Russia's Interior and Foreign Ministries and the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv also had no immediate comment.

Officials in Israel pointed out that some of the recent contacts between Israelis and Russians had been planned before the latest attacks in Russia -- and that increased intelligence cooperation is still at an early stage.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the Jewish state as part of a Mideast tour just days after the school hostage tragedy.
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