Iran steps us shipments to Hizbullah; Cohen urges Syria to exercise restraint

TEL AVIV — U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen has called on Syria to restrain the Hizbullah from launching an attack on Israel. Meanwhile Iran has increased the shipment of weapons to the Lebanese Hizbullah as the militia prepares for renewed fighting with Israel.

Israeli military sources said Iran has increased delivery of such arms as mortars, rockets and anti-tank weapons. Iran has also trained Palestinians to infiltrate Israel with handgliders.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen warned against an outbreak of war along the Israeli-Lebanon border. Cohen urged Syria to restrain Hizbullah.

"Syria has a new president, and I think it's very important that the Syrian leadership not mistake what is taking place in Israel as any sign of weakness," Cohen said. "There's some notion that somehow, because the Israelis either pulled out unilaterally out of southern Lebanon or failed to respond militarily when some of their soldiers were kidnapped and apprehended, that Israel is weak. That would be a big mistake."

The military sources said Hizbullah has increased its presence along the border with Israel. They said a Hizbullah attack, approved by Syria, is expected any day.

The sources acknowledged that Israel has also bolstered its forces along the northern border. This includes the addition of anti-aircraft batteries.

For its part, Hizbullah has stepped up threats to launch attacks on Israel. The head of the Hizbullah faction in the Lebanese parliament, Mohammed Ra'id, warned that his movement will abduct additional Israeli soldiers unless the Jewish state fulfills Hizbullah demands to free Lebanese detainees.

In October, Hizbullah abducted three Israeli soldiers.

Ra'id said that Hizbullah does not fear Israeli threats and that the movement is strong enough to confront the Jewish state. The parliamentarian said Hizbullah has improved its weaponry.