JERUSALEM, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Israel is trying to stop Russia from selling Syria advanced SA-18 anti-aircraft missiles, Channel 10 TV and the Haaretz newspaper reported.
Haaretz said contacts for the sale of the shoulder-launched missiles began two years ago. At that time Israel managed to scuttle the deal with U.S. help.
The SA-18 GROUSE has "substantially improved range and speed," than earlier missiles. It also offers better protection against electro-optical jammers, according to the Washington-based Military Analysis Network.
Israel fears such missiles in Syrian or in Hezbollah hands in Lebanon could hamper its flights.
Defense and Foreign Ministry spokesmen declined to discuss the matter but Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Wednesday Syria is well connected with Hezbollah and hosts some of Hamas' headquarters in Damascus.
"They have enough on the ground and we shouldn't go up in the skies," Peres added.
The dispute was discussed in a secret visit of Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Soltanov to Israel this week. Haaretz talked of "a crisis" in Israel's relations with Russia.
