Russian Roulette

The story (as reported 2 hours ago) by the Associated Press:

Israel tried to block Russian arms deal with Syria
By JOSEF FEDERMAN (AP) – September 19, 2010

JERUSALEM — "Israel's prime minister said Sunday that he failed to block Russian plans to sell Syria anti-ship cruise missiles that his country fears could fall into the hands of Hezbollah guerrillas.

Syria is a key backer of the Lebanese Hezbollah, which has used Russian-made weapons against Israel in the past, including anti-tank missiles that were one of the militant group's most effective weapons during the month-long war with Israel in 2006.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the deal to sell Syria P-800 missiles would be "very problematic" for the Jewish state.

"We have been aware of this deal for some time, and there were discussions with the Russians at every level," Netanyahu told a closed meeting of Cabinet ministers from his Likud Party. His comments were confirmed by a meeting participant, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

A string of Israeli leaders raised concerns about the deal, most recently Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a trip to Moscow earlier this month. Israeli defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were discussing a sensitive diplomatic matter, said Barak was told the sale would go through.

Russia's defense minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, announced in Washington last week that his government would go ahead with the deal, signed in 2007. Both Israel and the U.S. had voiced objections." - more