The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has formally invited the Israeli prime minister to Moscow "for discussions" likely to encompass Syria and Iran, AP reported.
According to an Israeli official, speaking to the news agency, the letter arrived on Wednesday but Binyamin Netanyahu has not yet responded.
Russia and Israel have had friendly relations for many years, given the influx of Jewish citizens from the former Soviet Union into Israel in the past.
However, the talks are liable to be less than cordial this time as Russia has openly supported the Syrian regime and Iran's right to nuclear power, both of which Israel strongly rejects.
The letter also congratulated the Israeli PM on forming a new government.
