The immediate reason for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trip to Moscow on Monday is increased Russian military involvement in Syria.
But beyond reducing the risk of an unwanted clash between Israeli and Russian fighter jets over Syria or Lebanon, it seems that the visit should be seen in a wider context of tensions between Moscow and Washington.
And although Netanyahu only last week said "commentators" were wrong when they warned of a collapse of ties between Israel and the United States in light of the Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu's current visit to Moscow could be seen as an Israeli jab at Washington.
Security sources in Israel who are knowledgeable about preparations for the visit said that Israel wants to ensure that Russian planes will not restrict the Israel Air Force's freedom of movement on the northern border and will not lead to accidents or aerial battles.