With media reports circulating indicating Russia’s intention to conclude a “defense deal” with the eastern Libyan government controlled by coup general Khalifa Haftar, a German newspaper sounded the alarm about the repercussions of this on America and Europe.

According to reports, the defense deal may lead to the Russian naval fleet finding a foothold in the heart of the Mediterranean, close to the European coasts, which will cause “chaos” in the region, according to the Teleopolis newspaper.

Russian presence is expanding

The German newspaper said that the Russian government is in the process of agreeing on a defense deal with Libya, and what is specifically meant here is the Libyan east, led by Khalifa Haftar, which Russia supports.

It added that there are discussions about establishing a naval base for Russian warships in the Mediterranean, close to Europe and the theater of war in Israel and Palestine.

The newspaper quotes media reports that Haftar met at the end of September 2023 with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

According to those reports, the agreement to establish that naval base was discussed at that time.

It is worth noting that Russia has been militarily present in Libya for many years, through the mercenaries of the Wagner Group, which is close to the Kremlin.

But since the mysterious plane crash of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian Defense Ministry has increasingly taken charge of the group's activities, according to the newspaper.

Now, according to sources familiar with the agreement, Russia has been given permission to modernize “a group of air bases currently occupied by Wagner paramilitary forces, to accommodate Russian forces.”

Gaza war

Against the backdrop of the Gaza war and the escalating tensions in the Arab region, the newspaper believes that the timing of the military deal is an indication that “Russia does not want to remain on the sidelines, while the United States has aircraft carriers and fighter planes transported off the coast of Gaza.”

In addition to American support for Israel with an arms package worth $14.5 billion, in addition to nearly four billion annual military aid to Israel.”

It is worth noting that Russia, at the diplomatic and political levels, tried to calm the situation immediately after the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, according to “Teleopolis.”

On the other hand, the newspaper notes that Russia sought to achieve balance and emphasized its relations with both the Israelis and the Palestinians.

According to “Telepolis,” the Russian Foreign Ministry repeatedly warned of the dangers of an expanded regional war, if Israel’s war on Gaza continues.

The newspaper goes on to say, “If the conflict escalates at the regional level, with the entry of Hezbollah into Lebanon and Iran, this will not only lead to increased pressure on Israel, but other supporting countries will also pay the price.”

As events become more dynamic and bloody, the newspaper confirms that the risk of events getting out of control becomes more and more, warning that “Russia can support Iran in the event of expansion.”

The two-state solution

In conclusion, the newspaper explains that recent reports about the Russian agreement with eastern Libya clearly indicate Moscow's increasing desire to secure its interests in the region militarily.

The German “Telepolis” highlights that, in doing so, Moscow does not care much about American interests and threats.

According to the newspaper, George Bibby and Anatole Levin of the Quincy Institute warned early on that “further escalation could pit the United States against Russia and China as well in the Middle East.”

At the same time, foreign policy experts confirm that there are reasons for Russia to avoid such a confrontation against America and Israel.

Moscow enjoys good relations with Tel Aviv, as it is an important economic partner and home to more than a million Russian immigrants, as the newspaper states.

In addition, the newspaper notes that Iran's entry into the war means that "there will be no Iranian drones for the Russian war in Ukraine."

Therefore, from the newspaper’s point of view, talks between the United States and Russia will be very useful in order to calm the situation in Gaza.

In this context, Washington will have to persuade Israel to reduce or stop the bombing of Gaza, while Russia and China must call on their partners in the region to exercise restraint.

However, in light of the current landscape, the newspaper believes that “a civil solution to the conflict remains elusive.”

But, according to her opinion, this may change if Israel and the United States realize at a certain point that “the siege imposed on the Palestinian state is no longer sustainable.”