The Israeli government has indicated its strong opposition to the proposed sale of more modern missile systems and antiaircraft weapons by Russia to Syria. Israel fears that the new missiles would be able to hit targets in most of Israeli territory. Syria remains in a state of war with Israel and has yet to recognize Israel despite the Jewish State's existence since 1948.

'We spoke to the Russians and we asked them to scrap this contract,' Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom announced. Shalom feared that the new weapons would hinder attempts at peace negotiations between Syria and Israel.

In addition to Syria's ongoing state of war with Israel, the Syrian government is on the United States list of nation's aiding terrorists. Damascus has funded and provided headquarters for terrorist groups like Hezbollah which often instigates attacks against Israel. Hezbollah has offices in Damascus and operates with impunity in Lebanon which is a Syrian satellite. Syria has also been accused by the United States of aiding the insurgency in Iraq.

The United States indicated it was also opposed to the deal. The State Department went as far as to say that Washington would consider sanctions if the deal went forward.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov denied negotiations were even taking place. 'There are no talks under way between Russia and Syria concerning shipment of such missiles,' Ivanov claimed. 'Such talks are not taking place.'