Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President Vladimir Putin. 

"I think a new and perhaps unique opportunity was created. I'd like to talk to you about this and hear, of course, your insights, and to see how we can integrate all forces on behalf of security and peace," said the Israeli official, who stood alongside Trump at the White House when the plan was announced Tuesday and called it a victory for Israel.

Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

"You are, in effect, the first leader that I am speaking to about my visit to Washington regarding President Trump's plan of the century," Netanyahu told Putin.

Netanyahu, facing graft charges at home, is contesting March elections and hoping the proposal will boost his re-election chances. The March 2 vote is Israel's third in less than a year, with polls suggesting the prime minister's rightwing Likud is again neck-and-neck with the centrist Blue and White party led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz.

Netanyahu was visiting Russia on the same day that it released a young U.S.-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking over a small amount of cannabis found in her luggage as she transited a Moscow airport. Her case caused an outcry in Israel and her release came after Netanyahu pleaded her case with Putin, who issued a pardon.

"I want to thank you in the name of the entire Israeli people for your quick decision to grant a pardon to Naama Issachar. This moves all of us and our gratitude is on behalf of all Israeli citizens, from the heart," Netanyahu said at the beginning of their meeting in the Kremlin.

Putin, in his remarks, expressed warm wishes for Naama Issachar and her family. He noted that she was liberated due to the efforts of her mother Yaffa, but mentioned twice that she was found carrying drugs. 

"I wish her all the best for her and her family," he said.

Netanyahu arrived in Moscow on Thursday morning to welcome Issachar upon her release. She is expected to travel back to Israel on the prime minister's plane.

Putin also recalled his visit last week to Israel, during which he participated in two main events: the unveiling of a monument in honor of the heroes of the Leningrad siege during World War II, and a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center.

(With input from agencies)