Israel accusing Russia of stoking tensions

Agence France Presse (AFP) reported on August 31, 2007:

A senior Israeli defense official accused Russia on Thursday of stoking tensions between the Jewish state and Syria. "During a certain period, the Russians acted in such a manner that the Syrians thought Israel wanted to engage in a war against their country," Amos Gilad, head of the Defense Ministry's political department, told Army Radio. "The Russians then stopped their incitement following explanations that were communicated to them, according to which Syria had no intention of attacking Israel, and Israel did not aim to take the initiative in a war against Syria. This allowed a calming of tensions."

Citing anonymous sources, the Maariv tabloid reported that Russian officials had told the Syrian leadership that Israel was preparing for a war.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow.

The comments came a day after Israel said it was scaling down its military presence in the occupied Golan Heights because of an easing in tensions between the two neighbors.

Boosted by petrodollars, Russia has in recent years sought to reclaim a major role on the world stage, including in the Middle East.

According to the Russian press, in recent months it has delivered advanced MiG-31 fighter planes and modern air-defense systems to Syria, its Soviet-era ally.

Over the past few months, Israeli and Syrian leaders have both said their countries do not want a war, but were preparing for any possibility. Each side has accused the other of arming for a possible conflict.