Jerusalem confirmed: Israel asked Russia not to sell Syria S-300

Israel asked Russia not to sell Syria an advanced air defense system that would help President Bashar Assad's army fend off foreign military intervention, Israeli officials said Thursday. Diplomatic sources confirmed that talks between Israel, Russia and the United States discussed the issue: "These are very problematic weapons from Israel’s point-of-view, and we do not want the deal to go through."

Citing US officials, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Israel had told Washington that Syria had already begun payments for a $900 million purchase of the S-300 and an initial delivery was due within three months. (Reuters and Atilla Shmolfavi)