Israeli-Russian relations have become more fragile than ever since Iran starting expanding its influence in the region, primarily in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Russia focused on Israel's concerns over Iran. Yet, Russia's response was not very satisfying. After an Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah positions last week, Russia summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation. While Israel considers Lebanon-based Shiite radical group Hezbollah a threat to its national security, Russia has been enjoying the group's man-power in Syria, especially during the battle over Aleppo last November. Selin Nasi, a columnist at both the Istanbul-based Salom newspaper and Turkey's Hurriyet daily, touching on Israel's concerns with Iranian expansionism wrote in her column last week, "Iran was planning to acquire a permanent military base in Latakia and a new unit of the Hezbollah forces has been established under the name of the Golan Liberation Brigades to liberate the Golan Heights from Israel."Given the fact that a dispute over Iran and its proxies exist between Russia and Israel, a recent development will likely tighten the relations. Israeli Parliament last week proposed a bill that redefines Israel's maritime economic border with Lebanon. According to the bill, a long-disputed 800-square-kilometer maritime territory is claimed by Israel, in an attempt to expand its control and economic benefits on the Sea. Lebanon's response was harsh as Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Thursday that redefining the maritime border meant a declaration of war. "The recent decision taken by Israel regarding the territorial waters is equal to declaration of war against Lebanon," he told a local Lebanese newspaper. "It is a new attack on Lebanon's sovereignty," Berri said. Berri and several Lebanese media outlets accused Israel of annexing the controversial area since it is believed to have rich natural gas reserves. Israel prioritizes stability and its control over the Mediterranean Sea since it has been aiming to export its gas via Cyprus and Turkey to Europe.The recent development and statements indicate that Israel would like to strengthen its power in the Mediterranean Sea both due to cutting Iran's expansion and natural gas resources. Yet, it may not be limited merely to Iran's expansion.A recently published article in the National Interest, titled, "How Russia Is Turning Syria into a Major Naval Base for Nuclear Warships (and Israel Is Worried)," claimed that Russia was turning Tartus into a naval base that can handle Russia's nuclear-powered ships. Referring to the January-dated agreement between Russia and Syria that allows Russia to place 11 warships in Tartus at the same time and to bring any kind of weapon, ammunition, devices and materials, the article aptly said, "Yet, since the Syrian rebels don't have a navy or air force—but the Americans and the Israelis do— this indicates that Moscow is eyeing Tartus through the lens of a possible conflict with outside powers." In response to the agreement, Rear Adm. Dror Friedman, Israeli Navy chief of staff two weeks ago said: "You see their activities in the field and you see them putting down roots, you see their activities in the Port of Tartus and you understand that this isn't the activity of someone who is planning to pack their bags and leave tomorrow morning." In other words, Russia has been building a naval base nearby Israel and will be able to deploy any kind of destructive weapons.Another issue that concerns and may encounter Israel with Russia is the fact that Hezbollah has been enjoying Russian support. An article, published in The Nation last week quoted a Hezbollah commander as saying, "We've got heavy long-range missiles, directly from the Russians, that can strike anywhere in Israel." Likewise, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah said last month his militias were equipped sufficiently to hit Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona. Israeli Brigade General and former Director of Counter-Terrorism Bureau Nitzan Nuriel said last week war with Hezbollah was only a question of time. Stating Hezbollah's attempt to expand its control zone with its new weapons he said "These weapons include Scud-D warheads, which are very heavy… and very accurate, as well as air defense systems including the SA-8, SA-14 and SA-18. These systems would give Hezbollah an umbrella of protection." He further claimed that the group had chemical weapons. In December, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman stated that Israel destroyed a ship that was carrying chemical weapons to Hezbollah. Urging Russia to avoid conflict with Israel while stating that Russian weapons' technology was less than those of Israel, Nuriel said: "Russian leaders know that any meeting between the Russian equipment and the Israeli equipment would result in a dramatic blow to Russian arms sales."Russia and Israel have avoided any direct encounter since the two countries do not want to address each other directly amid so much trouble entangling the region. However, Israel has been targeting both the Syrian regime and Hezbollah, which is Russian backed. The latest move by Israel to claim the disputed maritime border with Lebanon might be considered another message.