according to K.D. Schulz's monograph both the Trans-caucasian ratsnake and E. quatorlineata sauromates (now considered a full species by some)are both located in Israel. I believe both are said to be located in the highlands between Israel, Lebannon and possibly Syria. Of course by the new studies, of these two, only the Trans-Caucasian is closely related to the longissimus. But the sauromates is probably more likely to be mistaken for longissimus than the other.

John