Israel Worried About Possible New Russia-Syria Arms Deals
Israel has expressed concern over Russia's intention to sign new arms deals with Syria, following the already completed deal to provide Syria with SA-18 anti-aircraft missiles. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, who is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, will tell him of Israel's objection to the sale of more weapons to Syria, a political source in Jerusalem said Tuesday.

The source said Syria was undermining the stability in the area. "Any cooperation with [Syria], especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as the supply of weapons, will cause more instability," the source added.

The source said Syria was still providing arms to Hezbollah and Ahmed Jibril's Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine organization in Lebanon.

"Weapons sold to the Syrians could reach the terror organizations in Lebanon," the source said.

The Israeli cabinet has yet to discuss the report released by UN investigator Detlef Mehlis about the assassination of Lebanese leader Rafik Hariri and the debate in the UN Security Council on Tuesday. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon advocates keeping a low profile and not intervening in the crisis. The source said Israel supports imposing sanctions on Syria and Iran.

"We believe sanctions should be imposed on any state that supports terror," he said.

Israel welcomes pressure on Syria, which may change its conduct and even lead to the closure of Hamas and Islamic Jihad headquarters in Damascus.

However, Israel's leadership is at odds over whether Syrian President Bashar Assad's continued rule would serve Israel's interest or whether Israel should strive to topple his regime.

Sharon is expected to tell the Russian foreign minister on Thursday that Israel also supports imposing sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear plan. He will warn Lavrov of the grave threat that an Iranian nuclear bomb would pose.

Russia objects to sanctions on Syria and Iran, fear that such a move will disrupt regional stability.