Israel wants to draw Syria closer

JERUSALEM, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The Israeli Foreign Ministry hopes to develop a political relationship with Syria in 2008, Haaretz reports.

A ministry document says the goal is to "formulate a strategic plan to remove Syria from the radical axis." The document suggests that Israel work to distance Syria from Hezbollah in Lebanon, from Iran and from radical Palestinian groups.

Other goals for the year include "opening of new channels of communication with countries with which Israel has no diplomatic relations."

The document, approved by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, also calls for promoting the peace process begun in Annapolis, Md., isolating Hamas and improving conditions in Gaza.