While Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon recently stated “Israel will know what to do if the S-300 anti-aircraft system arrives in Syria”, National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror sent a sterner message to EU diplomatic officials. Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Office, Amidror stated “We will not permit the missile to become operational” he stated, clearly sending a threatening message to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Despite statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin justifying the weapons deal, explaining the system is defense, Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs Dr. Yuval Steinitz says otherwise. Steinitz stated this week that the missiles have a 200km (120 mile) range and therefore, the S-300 is an offensive weapon and it will be addressed accordingly.

Steinitz on Thursday, 21 Sivan 5773 met with Russian Ambassador to Israel Sergey Yakovlev. The two men discussed various bilateral issues, as well as strategic issues regarding the region. They agreed that Israel and Russia would continue to maintain an ongoing dialogue and cooperate.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)