Israeli PM Netanyahu pays secret visit to Russia to discuss Russian arms sales to Syria and Iran

2009-09-09 20:28:39

JERUSALEM, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) --

The Israeli occupation government prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, paid a secret visit to Russia earlier this week to discuss Moscow's arms deals with Iran and Syria, local daily Ha'aretz quoted a senior Israeli official as saying on Wednesday.

The Monday trip was only known to the prime minister's close aides and adviser and a few other high-ranking officials, which has been neither confirmed nor denied by the Prime Minister's Office, according to the report.

The visit focused on security issues, particularly Russia's weapon deals with Iran and Syria, said the report, adding that Netanyahu also presented his Russian host with evidence that a great deal of weaponry was making its way into the hands of the Lebanese Hizbullah resistance movement.

The Israeli Zionist state has invaded and occupied the Syrian strategic Golan Heights, since 1967.

Meanwhile, Israel sees Iran as its arch-foe and has refused to rule out the possibility of launching military attacks against the Islamic republic's nuclear sites.

Israel's primary concern is Iran's purchase of the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, said the report, noting that should the missiles be deployed outside Iran's nuclear facilities, it would be very difficult for Israel to strike them.

Editor: Lin Zhi

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