President Shimon Peres on Tuesday met in Russia with President Dmitry Medvedev, addressing Israeli concerns of planned sales of advanced weapons systems to Israel’s enemies, a reality that would have a significant impact on shifting the regional balance of power.

Mr. Peres called on Russia to reconsider the sale of the advanced S-300 anti-aircraft system to Iran, a move that would significantly complicate and Israeli offensive against Tehran’s nuclear program. Mr. Peres also spoke of the sale of weapons to Syria and Hizbullah, expressing the same concerns.

Seeking to drive the point home, Mr. Peres explained that Israel has proof that Russian weapons sold to Syria and Iran have made their way to terror groups including Hizbullah and Hamas.

The Russian leader explained he opposes selling any weapons that would upset the “delicate” Mideast balance and as such, he does not plan to change his policy at present, indicating he would hold off on the S-300 sale.

Labeling a nuclear weapon in the hands of the Iranians a “flying death camp,” Mr. Peres added that he lost many family members by the hands of the Nazis in Belarus, and as such, he is compelled to act today, unable to sit back as Iran continues to threaten Israel with annihilation which its nuclear program moves ahead.

Mention was also made of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, with Peres calling on the Russian leader to take steps to advance his release.

Mr. Medvedev made mention of Syria, stating he feels Syrian President Bashar al-Assad genuinely wishes to end hostilities with Israel and enter into a diplomatic agreement. He added Assad is ready for direct talks, prompting Peres to reply that Israel is ready and willing to enter into such negotiations, but without preconditions. Assad is demanding an Israeli commitment to a total and unconditional withdrawal from the Golan Heights prior to entering into diplomatic talks.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)