Speaking with Hizbullah TV, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad announced the first S-300 sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles have arrived in Syria from Russia. He used the interview to reiterate his threat against Israel, promising a harsh response to any and all additional Israeli attacks.

According to statements made earlier in the week by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, the missiles have yet to arrive in Syria, adding “we will know how to act if they do.”

The British Sunday Times recently reported that Russia canceled the deal at Israel’s behest, but that report appears to be inaccurate, as was reported by Israel Radio.

Russian officials are defying Israeli and US objections over the military hardware deal, stating that since the system is only defensive there is no threat posed to Israel. Nevertheless, both Israel and the US are aware that placing the advanced system in Syria hands will significantly complicate IAF and US Air Force activities in the region at a future date. IAF Commander Major-General Amir Eshel recently stated that the S-300 will create a new unwanted reality but the IAF does not how to address the system, declining to elaborate.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)