Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer made a secret visit to Russia last week, according to Army Radio.

The visit is believed to be part of Israel's ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Russia, which plays a significant role in the Syrian conflict, could be a key player in any agreement to end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. A diplomatic arrangement involving Russia may also help prevent Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, from rearming.

The secret visit follows a Russian delegation's trip to Israel on October 24, which, according to a source in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, was unrelated to the ongoing hostage situation involving Hamas in Gaza.