Officials said Syria has brought a range of medium- and long-range
rockets that could strike northern and central Israel. They said the
transfer of rockets and missiles from Syrian military bases began in
September 2006.
[On Saturday, Israel's military denied reports that Syria has deployed
troops near the Israeli border. The military, however, did not deny the
rocket deployment.]
"The Syrians have been very cautious and acted very quietly, but there
is a new situation along their southern border," an official said. "We have
been asking UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] to become
involved."
The Syrian deployment was disclosed as defense ministers from Iran and
Syria met in Damascus over the weekend. The state-owned media in Iran and
Syria said the talks were meant to expand defense and military relations,
including joint weapons production, and accelerate existing agreements.
"We are discussing with the Syrian side a host of matters including the
transfer of weapons manufacturing technology and training," Iranian Defense
Minister Mostafa Najar said on Saturday. "We are also discussing defense
issues and political matters. We believe that Iran's defense capabilities
are at the disposal of Syria."
Israeli officials said the number of rockets moved toward Israel was
estimated at between 1,000 and 3,000. They said the weapons included 220 mm
rockets, with a range of 70 kilometers, and 302 mm projectiles, with a range
of 110 kilometers. Both class of rockets were fired by Hizbullah during the
34-day war in mid-2006.
The rockets and missiles were said to have been deployed along the
Lebanese-Syrian border near Israel. Other Syrian weapons were stationed in
the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights.
Officials said the deployment began with the stationing of Iranian and
Syrian weapons in the Bekaa Valley. They said the Syrian military, with help
from Iran and Hizbullah, deployed extended-range Katyusha-class rockets in
bunkers and camouflaged positions.
Many of the rockets were also believed to have been transported across
the border into Lebanon. Officials said Hizbullah has been storing the
weapons in huge underground bunkers.
"We are seeing serious preparations for a war by Syria and Hizbullah,
with massive help from Iran," a military source said.
