Kindgo
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Israel seeks to halt Russia-Syria missile deal
By Aluf Benn
Israel and the U.S. are trying to halt a new deal for SA-18 shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles between Russia and Syria. Israeli security officials are concerned Syria might transfer the sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which could use them to attack Israel Defense Forces helicopters in the north.
Israeli officials say that although the Syrians have made offers to the Russians for the SA-18s, no deal has been finalized. Israel recently brought its concern to the attention of officials in Washington, and asked for help to stop the supply of the missiles to Damascus.
The Americans have appealed to officials in Moscow, asking that the proposed missile sale to Syria be stopped, because a transfer of anti-aircraft weapons to Lebanon might escalate violence in the Middle East. Officials in Washington say they will continue exerting pressure on the Russians, Israeli sources say.
The SA-18 missiles were developed in the 1980s and modeled on the American Stinger that caused heavy losses to Soviet helicopters during its war in Afghanistan. Recent reports suggested the Russians have started manufacturing an upgraded version of the missile for export. The size of the warhead on the new SA-18 has reportedly been doubled.
Today, American deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, David Satterfield will leave Israel and travel to Syria and Lebanon. In talks with leaders of the two countries the diplomat will stress that Hezbollah needs to be restrained on the northern border. Last Thursday Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer told Satterfield Hezbollah is "playing with fire".
Israeli sources said intelligence had not been able to identify the reason for a Hezbollah attack on Har Dov last Thursday.
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God bless,
Kindgo
Inside the will of God there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success.
Posts: 4320 | From: Sunny Florida | Registered: Jun 2002
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