Putin to Netanyahu: Russian arms in Syria not a threat to Israel

MOSCOW, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- At a meeting Monday in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Russian weapons sent to Syria pose no threat to Israel.

Netanyahu's visit to Putin's private residence in Novo-Ogaryovo came as Russia signaled its intentions to better arm and help the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

It is Israel's contention that Syria, also backed by Iran, has offered modern weapons to the militant group Hezbollah for purposes of opening a second front of combat against Israel. Putin assured Netanyahu a buildup of arms in Syria would not affect Israel, saying the Syrian army is in such disarray it could not involve itself in a war against Israel, the Kremlin's website said.

"We know that the Syrian army and Syria as a whole are in no condition to open a second front; they need to save their own state," Putin later said in remarks broadcast on Russian television.

He acknowledged, though, that it was important Hezbollah be denied additional weapons.

Netanyahu, in public comments after his meeting with Putin, said Iran and Syria have given weapons to Hezbollah, which has fired "thousands" of rockets at Israel.

"Iran, under the auspices of the Syrian army, is attempting to build a second terrorist front against us from the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said.

Russia has been providing military aid to the Assad regime, including the construction of a Russian military base. Netanyahu seeks a guarantee that any Russian military equipment in Syria, including possible fighter planes and missiles, will not be used by Hezbollah to target Israel.

"All actions taken by Russia in the region have always been and will be very responsible," Putin said.