Barak: Israel analyzing implications of Assad's trip to Russia
Defense minister says security establishment following Syria's plans to purchase advanced weapons from Moscow, upgrade its army. MK Shalom: Arming Syria could destabilize Middle East
"The Israeli security establishment is analyzing the ramifications of Syrian President Bashar Assad's visit to Russia, with an emphasis on Damascus' intentions to purchase advanced weaponry and upgrade its army," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Thursday.
During his trip to Russia Assad offered President Dmitry Medvedev to counter Washington's involvement in Poland by planting Russian missiles on Syrian soil. Assad was apparently referring to the Russian S-300 anti-plane missiles, which could threaten US aircrafts in the Middle East.
The missiles, placed on Syrian territory, would also make an Israeli air strike more difficult.
Following Syria's request to purchase new weapons from Russia, Likud Knesset Member Silvan Shalom said Israel should demand that Moscow refrain from "arming its enemies.
"Arming Syria would lead to a strategic change and could destabilize the Middle East and the world", he said.
Earlier Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Syria "is receiving legitimacy through its indirect negotiations with Israeli despite violating the arms embargo and emboldening the terror groups".
Amnon Meranda contributed to the report
