JERUSALEM (JTA) — Syria is arming Hezbollah with Scud missiles, a Kuwaiti newspaper reported.
Al-Rai Al-Aam cited American, Israeli and Western sources, saying that Syria recently shipped Scud missiles to Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and has trained them to fire the missiles. The Kuwaiti newspaper also reported that the Obama administration postponed the announced appointment of a new ambassador to Syria, who was supposed to be approved on Monday, following news of the transfer.
Israel reportedly warned Syria through third parties that it would attack Lebanese and Syrian targets if the missiles actually reach Hezbollah. The United States also called Syria’s ambassador in to warn that war could break out in the region if the shipments were successfully carried out, the newspaper said.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Tuesday that Israel has "no aggressive intentions towards Lebanon” and called on "everyone to remain calm." But he said, the transfer of Scud missiles to Hezbollah "undermines the balance of power and threatens regional stability and calm."
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