Posted on 05/02/2007 5:44:22 PM PDT by jhpigott
Israel's US envoy says concerned about Syrian arms
Israeli ambassador to US says Syria is purchasing arms at levels not seen since 1973 Middle East war, adding Damascus is becoming a serious threat
Reuters Published: 05.03.07, 01:38 / Israel News
Israel is growing more concerned about unprecedented military purchases and stepped-up training by Syria, at levels not seen since the 1973 Middle East war, its envoy to the United States said on Wednesday.
"Syria is developing into a very serious threat," Israeli Ambassador Sallai Meridor told a luncheon sponsored by the Israel Project, a group that promotes the country's agenda. "We hope it's not offensive but we're not sure."
A significant build-up of missile capability by Syria could "create major damage to Israel" and Russia was supplying the arms to Damascus, he said, without providing specific details of the source for that information.
Meridor said Israel had tried to make it clear that it had no "offensive intentions" toward Syria, but added the Israeli government was working to make sure it was not surprised or unprepared if attacked.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and annexed the territory in 1981. The two sides have so far failed to negotiate a resolution over the strategic plateau.
Syria has expressed interest in resuming talks but also has hinted at military action if it found diplomacy at a dead end. Israel has demanded Syria first stop sponsoring Hizbullah and Palestinian terror groups.
The United States, Israel's close ally, has accused Syria of sponsoring terrorism, aiding Hamas militants as well as supplying Hizbullah, a guerrilla group that has tried to bring down the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Meridor largely declined to comment on the political turmoil at home, but he did encourage Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to remain in office despite calls for his resignation amid criticism for his handling of the war with Lebanon last year.
In this part of the world, a reference to a military build up not seen since the 73' Yom Kippur War is something not taken lightly. I remember last summer tensions were really high on the Golan during IDF operations against Hezbollah. Wonder if Assad has anything up his sleeve, perhaps taking advantage of the current political turmoil in Israel.
ping
For some reason it seems that Assad thinks Syria has some sort of distinct advantage over Israel right now. Missiles with WMDs could be the advantage he thinks he has.
Israel will not be caught with it's defenses down though. Assad will be stupid to launch an attack. Israel's missile defenses are very good and Damascus would be reduced to rubble in retaliation if he did.
ON THE NET...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1826963/posts?page=71#71
#
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1826963/posts?page=72#72
Summer 2007:
1. Syria starts a war and is crushed by Israel. Followed by Israel resettling all Palestinians into Syria.
2. The US bombs Iran and the Mullahs are overthrown by a huge popular uprising.
3. Turmoil in Iraq comes to a quick end.
4. Democrats read the news and commit mass suicide
And all lived happily ever after.
They need to relieve Olmert before this thing starts. Israel cant stand another loss like the last one.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.