— Differences developed today over whether Syria has deployed Soviet-made SAM-6 anti-aircraft missiles in the Beka valley in eastern Lebanon after Israeli fighter planes shot down two Syrian helicopters over Lebanon earlier in the week. Premier Menachem Begin said Israel had “no accurate confirmed information” to that effect.
But an army spokesman confirmed the report yesterday and military experts observed that the missiles have added a new dimension to the strategic situation in Lebanon. Former Air Force commander Gen. (Res.) Mordechai Hod said in a radio interview today that the SAM-6 missiles limit but do not neutralize Israel’s ability to fly missions over the region. He said the problem could be dealt with by applying methods used successfully in the past.
Begin, who met here today with members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee in his capacity as Defense Minister, told reporters, with respect to the missiles: “This is a new development but we have no accurate confirmed information that missiles have been moved there (into Lebanon). We heard it on Monte Carlo radio but must check the report. Israel Radio also sometimes published untrue reports.”
Israel Radio noted today that government officials had reacted to the reports of the missile deployment in Lebanon as if they were true and said serious consideration would have to be given to the strategic effects of this new development.
SAYS ISRAEL, SYRIA DO NOT WANT WAR
The SAM-6 missile is mounted on a mobile tracked base. It is about 20 feet long, weights half a ton and has a range of between 30-60 kilometers. Normally it is used against aircraft flying at altitudes of about four kilometers. Its radar-guided mechanism can be jammed by electronic means.
Begin expressed his belief to reporters that the recent confrontration with Syria, including the downing of the two helicopters and the deployment of missiles, if true, would not lead to war with Syria. He said neither Israel nor Syria wanted war. (See P.3 for related story on Lebanon situation.)
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