12 January 2005
Russian newspaper Kommersant reports that Moscow may sell the Iskander-E missile to Syria. The newspaper states that two years ago Syria asked Moscow for 18 Iskander-E missiles. These missiles were not given to Syria because the missiles were not tested. Instead, Syria was sold the Kornet-E and Metis-M missile system. Israel is trying to stop the transaction because these missiles can reach targets as far as 175 miles, deep into Israeli territory. Furthermore, Israeli military officials are afraid the missile might fall into the hands of Hezbollah.
--"Israel trying to stop missile deal between Russia and Syria," Associated Press, 12 January 2005.

12 January 2005
The Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz states that Israel will talk with Moscow regarding the sale of the Iskander-E to Syria. Russia claims this trade is to restore its market in the Middle East. The Iskander-E has a range of 50 to 280km, a launch weight of 3,800kg, a payload of 480kg, high mobility, short deployment time, a concealment-under-jamming capacity, high destruction effect of conventional warheads, and a launcher which weighs 40 tons. The Iskander-E is carried by wheeled transporters, has an off-road capability, drives on all four axles, and requires a three-man crew.
--"Russian Academic Justifies Missile Sales to Syria," Global Security Newswire, 12 January 2005.

12 January 2005
Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Ivanov denies reports that Moscow and Damascus are engaged in talks regarding the sale of the Iskander-E. He also states that there are no export restrictions on the missile systems.
--"Russia has no talks with Syria on sale of missiles-DM," ITAR-TASS, 12 January 2005.

13 January 2005
Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he asked Russia not to sell missiles to Syria. Due to the Iskander-E's Global Positioning System, which has an accuracy of 10 to 20 meters, it is capable of attacking military targets, regional commands, airports, and intelligence basis.
--"Israeli officials say Russian missile deal will not harm bilateral ties," BBC, 13 January 2005.

14 January 2005
US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher states that Washington will impose sanctions on Russia if it sells weapons to Syria. Unofficial reports originally stated that Russia was planning to sell the Iskander-E tactical mid-range missile to Syria. Instead, the transaction is to include 200 portable anti-air missile launchers called the Igla, costing around $20 million.
--"Game without rules," RusData Dialine, 14 January 2005.

14 January 2005
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa denies making any missile trade deals with Russia. He stated that Israel is trying to initiate a media campaign before Syrian President al-Assad arrives in Moscow for his four-day visit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
--"Russia denies engaging in secret missile talks with Syria," Associated Press, 14 January 2005.

16 January 2005
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirms that Russia and Syria will sign a contract regarding the sale of the Iskander-E to Syria. He says that "as for military-technical cooperation with Near East states, in this case Russia is closely following the accepted rules and relevant international accords."
--"Israel 'will do all it can' to stop Russian-Syrian missile deal-newspaper," Global Security Newswire, 16 January 2005.

20 January 2005
A Syrian government newspaper reports that Syria will not discuss purchasing missiles from Russia during the Syrian-Russian summit. However, Syria does have a right to defend itself against Israel.
--"Syria has right to arm itself-state paper," Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2005.

20 January 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the sale of the Igla-SA 18 missile to Syria. Sharon once again stated that Syria's acquisition of the missile will cause a threat to Israel.
--"Sharon urges Russia not to sell missiles to Syria," Xinhua, 20 January 2005.

23 January 2005
Russia states that it does not intend to sell the Iskander-E weapon to Syria, commenting that Syria is a strong ally in the Middle East and has a history of purchasing arms from Moscow. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said "Our cooperation with Syria is broad and multifaceted and includes military cooperation...But it never went outside the framework of international agreements."
--"Syria's Assad to visit Moscow amid Missile 'controversy,'" Comtex News Network, 23 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, states that he will not discuss the acquisition of missiles from Russia during his trip to Moscow. The Russian defense minister confirms Bashar's statement.
--"0007 Syrian President denies plans to buy," Saudi Press Agency, 24 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad arrives in Moscow for a four-day visit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
--"2nd Roundup: Syria's Assad in Moscow for Mideast, terror talksEds: Updates with arrival."Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 24 January 2005.

24 January 2005
Foreign media reports state that Syria would like to acquire 200 Igla missile systems, in addition to purchasing Russian upgrades and repairs to Syria's current missile arsenal. Syria currently has an estimated 4,000 Russian-made shoulder-fired missile systems, which include the Strela-2, Strela-2M, and Strela-3.
--"Russian Military Minds Differ Over Arms Sales to Syria," Global Security Newswire, 24 January 2005.

25 January 2005
Russia is denying the sale of the Iskander-E and Igla SA-18 to Syria. However, Israel states that the sale of the Igla SA-18 was part of an arms package to Syria. The Igla SA-18 is capable of destroying planes and helicopters.
--"2nd Roundup: Syria and Russia boost economic and military tiesEds: Adds reduction of Syrian debt," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 25 January 2005.

26 January 2005
Syrian President al-Assad states that he will not discuss the sale of the Iskander-E with Russian President Vladimir Putin on his four-day visit. On January, President al-Assad stated to university students in Moscow that, "Syria has the right to defend itself and its airspace." He added, "If Israel is against us acquiring them [missiles], it's as if it were saying, 'We want to attack Syria but we don't want them to protect themselves.'"
--"Russia, Syrian President Evasive About Buying Russian Missiles..," Global Security Newswire, 26 January 2005.

30 January 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin states that there is a chance that Russia will sell anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and believes these missiles will be used for defensive purposes without disrupting the military balance of the region. Putin said: "We understand our responsibilities. We have not taken a single step to disrupt the balance of forces and we will follow that pattern in the future."
--"Putin Says Missile Deal with Syria Is Possible..," Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 30 January 2005.

8 February 2005
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Arial Sharon meet and discuss Syria's purchase of shoulder-mounted missiles from Russia.
--"Sharon and Abbas to meet with Bush," International Herald Tribune, 8 February 2005.

9 February 2005
It is reported that Russia will sign an agreement with the United States to restrict control of portable anti-aircraft missiles, but not sales of other weapons. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will sign this deal in Bratislava, in a summit meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President George W. Bush on February 24th.
--"Arms trade chief: Moscow agrees to limit portable missiles but defies U.S. pressure on other weapons sales," Associated Press, 9 February 2005.

12 February 2005
During the 41st annual Munich Security Conference, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov states that Moscow and Damascus will not discuss the sale of the Iskander-E missile systems. He said, "although, in international law, there are no limitations on the supply of this and other similar weapons, Moscow was not and is not engaged in any negotiations on this subject with Damascus. Nor have there been any talks on the supply of man-portable air defense missile systems to Syria."
--"Russian Defence minister restates denial of missile talks with Syria," BBC, 12 February 2005.

15 February 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin informs Israeli Prime Minister Arial Sharon that they will sell anti-aircraft missiles to Syria.
--"Sharon accuses Russia of going ahead with missile sales to Syria," Xinhua, 15 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov confirms the sale of the short-range anti-aircraft missile system, known as Strelets, to Syria. Simultaneously, Iran announces its commitment to support Syria against threats posed by the United States.
--"Iran to aid Syria against threats," BBC, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Russia states it will forgive Syria's $13.4 billion debt, which is likely to strengthen military relations between the two countries.
--"Russia negotiates sale of anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria,"Associated Press, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Arial Sharon wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting that Russia halt the sale of weapons to Syria. Sharon's request is rejected by Putin, who states that he will go ahead with the sale.
--"Sharon calls Lebanon 'center of terror,'" Daily Star, 16 February 2005.

16 February 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said "Damascus would be supplied with 'Strelets' (Archer) short-range air defense systems that are not subject to any international restrictions." The Strelets is designed to shoot stinger-type Strelets missiles. The Strelets system can be mounted on land, sea, and air based carriers, four modules can be mounted on a carrier, each module consisting of two missiles. The Strelets can be fired in single shots or in salvos (two missiles at one target). The Strelets system functions within a radius of 4-5 kilometers.
--"Russia to sell anti-aircraft missiles to Damascus," Press Trust of India, 16 February 2005; "Russia announces plan to supply short-range air defence systems to Syria," BBC, 16 February 2005; "Russian Defence Minister/Remarks," Qatar News Agency,25 February 2005.

18 February 2005
On 14 February 2005, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Russia would not be supplying Syria with the long-range versatile Iskander-E systems.
--"Russia confirmed plans to sell short-range air defense systems to Syria," RusData Dialine,18 February 2005.

18 February 2005
On 17 February 2005, U.S National Security advisor Stephen Hadley expressed concern over Russia's sale of the Strelets to Syria. He said, "we've raised [concerns] with the Russian government in an appropriate way, and other countries have raised their concerns as well, and we are hopeful and confident that the Russians will take them into account."
--"U.S. objects to Russian sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria," Knight Ridder,18 February 2005.

21 February 2005
Russia states it will forgive $10 billion of Syria's $13 billion debt. Russian officials say this will help Syria purchase weapons from Russia.
--"Algeria rejects new Russian weapons contracts without debt relief," BBC, 21 February 2005.

24 February 2005
In a summit meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia, U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement that allows better oversight of portable anti-aircraft defense weapons. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov states that this deal defines portable anti-aircraft defense systems and requires both sides to tell the other of the transfer of portable air defense systems to a third country. However, the agreement does not stop the trade of portable air defense systems.
--"RF, US to cooperate in control over portable antiaircraft systems," ITAR-TASS,24 February 2005.

25 February 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush expresses concern during the Russian-American summit over Russia's plan to sell the Strelets to Syria.
--"News Analysis: Shadows still hang over US-Russian ties amid conciliatory talks," Xinhua,25 January 2005.

1 March 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov states that Russia will only sell the Strelets to Syria if both countries agree on the price of the missile. Ivanov further states that in order for the sale to go through, Syria has to agree to mandatory site inspections by Russia to monitor the use of the Strelets.
--"Russia only to sell missiles to Syria if the price is right-Defence Minister," BBC, 1 March 2005.

1 March 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov states that terrorists cannot use the Strelets. He said, "it is not a manpack air defense system, which is portable. Strelets is a rather massive and complicated system not to be carried in the mountains." He added that Syrians want to acquire this missile in order to protect small facilitates within Syria.
--"Russia to check how Syria uses antimissile defense systems Strelets," RIA Novosti,1 March 2005.

4 March 2005
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Muallem visits Russia. A Russian Foreign Ministry release states he may negotiate an arms deal with Moscow.
--"Syrian deputy FM in Moscow to discuss Lebanon troop withdrawal," Press Trust of India, 4 March 2005.

7 March 2005
Russian Defense Minster Sergey Ivanov states that the inter-governmental agreement signed during the Russian-American summit monitors the sale of shoulder-fired air missile systems. However, the agreement does not restrict Russia from selling the Strelets to Syria which is a short range surface-to-air missile system.
--Russia's ties with Syria and Latin America an irritant to Washington," BBC, 7 March 2005.

8 March 2005
Washington lawmakers have proposed the "Lebanon and Syria Liberation Act." This act would enforce tougher sanctions against Syria. In addition, U.S. foreign aid would be suspended to countries suspected of helping Syria in acquiring nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
--"Lawmakers propose new Syria sanctions," Agence France Presse,8 March 2005.

13 March 2005
Russian National Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov reports to Channel 1 of Israeli TV, that the sale of the Strelets to Syria would not jeopardize Israel's security.
--"Russian Security Chief tells Israel arms for Syria purely defensive," BBC, 14 March 2005.

15 March 2005
Russian National Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov said to Israel TV that Russia will allow Israeli officials to inspect the Strelets before it is sold to Syria. He added that Russia can show Israel the capabilities of the Strelets which would prove that the missile is not a threat to Israeli territory.
--"Russia's Ivanov reassures Israel on sale of Missiles to Syria," BBC, 15 March 2005.

31 March 2005
Syria and Russia will discuss strengthening trade relations in Damascus at the Russian-Syrian standing commission for trade, economic, scientific, and technological cooperation. This conference will take place from April 2 to 5.
--"Russia, Syria intend to increase trade," RIA Novosti, 31 March 2005.

15 April 2005
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said "that it was dangerous for the international world as a whole to sell weapons to countries such as Syria that support terror."
--"Israel moving towards 'normalization' with Arabs, says foreign minister," BBC, 15 April 2005.

21 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin reports to Israel Channel 1 that Russia has finalized the deal to sell the Strelets anti-aircraft weapon to Syria. Putin also states that these missiles will make it harder for Israeli low-flying planes to fly over the home of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.
--"Russia will sell antiaircraft missiles to Syria," Christian Science Monitor, 21 April 2005.

21 April 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Arial Sharon said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's explanation of the anti-aircraft missiles not being able to be converted into a shoulder-fired rocket is not convincing. He believes that Syrian sponsored groups such as Lebanese Hezbollah guerillas or Palestinian militants can get a hold of these missiles. Israeli Prime Minister Arial Sharon said Israel "can't intervene in Russia's sale of weapons to other countries." However, he will urge President Vladimir Putin to stop the sale of ant-aircraft missiles to Syria during his visit to Israel.
--"Sharon to lobby against Russian missile sale to Syria," Associated Press, 21 April 2005.

26 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his visit to the Middle East. He will visit Israel and meet with Israeli President Moshe Katsav and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Besides discussing the topic of Russia's sales of the Strelets to Syria, the leaders will sign documents on mutual protection of investments, cooperation in space exploration and military-technical cooperation.
--"Vladimir Putin begins a visit to Egypt and Israel," RusData Dialine, 26 April 2005.

26 April 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said "the delivery of the Strelets missiles to Syria has been blown out of proportion by the media...Israel easily has the upper hand over Syria militarily." The number of missiles that will be sold to Syria is unknown.
--"Ivanov says Russia stands behind missile deal with Syria," Deutsche Press-Agentur, 26 April 2005.

26 April 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said Russia has demonstrated to Israel that the Strelets is not man-portable.
--"Russia reassures Israel on arms sale to Syria-report," AFX, 26 April 2005.

26 April 2005
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reports to Al-Arabia television that the sale of the Strelets to Syria "is an exclusively peaceful deal." He adds that Russia "is ready to sell such kinds of defensive armaments to interested countries if the deals do not contradict Russian international commitments."
--"Russia-Syria missile deal peaceful-foreign minister," ITAR-TASS, 26 April 2005.

27 April 2005
Officers from the Russian General staff show documents to Israel that describe the Strelets to have many Iglas fastened together. These Iglas cannot be separated to be used as man-portable launchers. The Strelets can only be fired if it is fixed onto a motorized launcher.
--"The First Coming of Putin," Defense and Security Russia, 27 April 2005; "Russia asserts itself in Mideast," Christian Science Monitor, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Israel. In a three-hour meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a difficult time persuading Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that the sale of the Strelets to Syria would pose no threat to Israel.
--"Putin struggles to allay Israeli fears over Syria, Iran deals," Agence France Presse, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin stopped the sale of the Iskander missiles to Syria. These missiles have a range of 300 km. In a joint news conference Putin said: "I have vetoed the deal. We cannot be described as irresponsible partners; we do take due account of the concerns and wishes of our partners and do everything not to break the balance of power in the region." Russian arms sales to the Middle East are estimated to be $500 million per year.
--"Putin banned sales of 300-km Iskander Missiles to Syria," RIA Novosti, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Israel would only be affected by the Strelets if Israel comes within their range which would require Israel to attack Syria.
--"Putin defends arms sales to Syria, Iran," Associated Press, 28 April 2005.

28 April 2005
During a visit to Jerusalem, Russian President Vladimir Putin admits Moscow intended to sell Iskander missile systems to Syria. Kommersant first published a report about this incident back on January 12, 2005. The Iskander missile is a highly accurate and mobile system which can overcome air defense systems. President Putin defends his plans to sell weapons to Syria and acknowledges Israel's concerns. "However, these concerns are groundless. . . . The missiles we sold to Syria are short-range antiaircraft missiles. They do not threaten Israeli territory. For these missiles to hit you, you will need to enter Syrian territory," Putin adds.
--"Russia: Report Highlights Putin's 'Sensational' Comment on Syrian Missile Deal," Kommersant, 29 April 2005, in FBIS Document CEP20050429019001; Molly Moore, "In Israel, Putin Defends Syria, Iran Deals," Washington Post, 29 April 2005.

Early 2005
The three Scud missiles used in a test launch on May 27, 2005 by Syria, consisted of an older Scud B with a range of 185 miles (300 kilometers), and two Scud D missiles with a range of about 435 miles (700 kilometers).
--"The Growing Syrian Missile Threat," Middle East Quarterly, Fall 2005.

28 May 2005
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announces Syrian missile parts from an explosion were found in Kirikhan. The Syrian embassy apologizes and says the accident occurred when a missile failed during military training. The MFA statement indicated there were no casualties. Israeli military officials say the Syrian missile tests consisted of one Scud B and two Scud D's capable of delivering mid-air chemical weapons. A Turkish Foreign Ministry official, on the condition of anonymity, says relations between Syria and Turkey were positive and have been improving over time.
--"Turkey Asks Syria to Explain Fallen Missile Parts," BBC, 29 May 2005; "Syria Test-Fires 3 Scud Missiles, Israelis Say," New York Times, 3 June 2005; Amy Teibel; "Syria Test-Fired Scud Missiles," Associated Press, 5 June 2005. 4968

5 June 2005
Information Minister of Syria, Mahdi Dakhlullah, denies Israeli reports that his country's missile testing had hostile intentions.
--"Syria Refutes Israeli Comments on Missile Test," Xinhua, 5 June 2005. 4968

10 June 2005
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov says his country will supply Syria with Strelets air defense missile systems. Minister Ivanov denies that Russia will supply Iskander operational tactical systems to Syria. "We are watching the balance of power in the whole region and are not interested in further escalation of tension there. We never planned to supply Iskander to countries in the Middle East," Minister Ivanov adds.
--"Defense Minister Says Russia to Supply Strelets Missile Systems to Syria," Agentstvo Voyennykh Novostey, 10 June 2005.4968

19 September 2005
Yuval Steinitz chairman of the Israeli Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee states that North Korea supplied missiles based on the North Korean Nodong missile to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Libya.
--"Knesset chairman says North Korea nuclear decision good news for Israel," BBC, 19 September 2005.

29 September 2005
On a four day visit to Russia, Syrian Army's Chief-of-Staff General Ali Habib met with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov. Ivanov said "[they discussed the] maintenance and modernization of Syrian military equipment with Russian experts, the training of Syrian military in Russian military academies, and potential purchase of Russian weapons." Furthermore, the Syrian General visited a weapon's factory located in the Tula region south of Moscow which specializes in high-precision anti-tank rockets.
-"Syrian army chief mulls Russian arms purchases," Agence France Presse, 29 September 2005.

26 October 2005
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on October 26, 2005. A political source states that during this meeting Shalom plans on voicing his objection to Russia signing a new arms deal with Syria. The same source said, "any cooperation with [Syria], especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as the supply of weapons, will cause more instability [in the region]."
--"Russia-Syria arms deal worry Israel," Haaretz, 26 October 2005.

7 November 2005
According to Focus magazine (Germany), 15 Russian industrial companies and research institutes based in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Samara, are alleged to be sending German missile technology from German producers illegally to missile making enterprises in Iran and Syria. The German government has warned these German producers of the transactions. It is also alleged that Syria may have used the technology provided by these Russian companies and institutes to improve their obsolete Scud missiles.
--"German Technology Exported to Russia allegedly sold by Agents to Iran, Syria," BBC, 8 November 2005.

4 January 2006
A 55-page intelligence assessment report formulated by British, French, German, and Belgian agencies states that Syria and Pakistan have been purchasing technology and chemicals which are used to enrich uranium and create their rocket programs.
--"Secret services say Iran is trying to assemble a nuclear missile: Documents seen by Guardian details web of front companies and middlemen," The Guardian, 4 January 2006.

6 March 2006
A senior Russian engineer of the Engineering Design Bureau and designer of the Strelets short range air defense missile system, Valery Kashin, states that devices have been added to the Strelets missiles to prohibit them from being used as shoulder-launched missiles by terrorists.
--"Russia: Designer Says Shoulder-Launched Use of Strelets Missiles Impossible," Interfax, 6 March 2006, in FBIS Document CEP20060301027152.

13 May 2006
On 13 May 2006, a de-classified report to the U.S. Congress on the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions for the period 1 January to 31 December 2004 indicates that in 2004, Syria "continued to seek help from abroad to establish a solid-propellant rocket motor development and production capability." The report further states that Syria's "liquid-propellant missile program continued to depend on essential foreign equipment and assistance--primarily from North Korean entities," and that "Syria was developing longer range missile programs, such as the Scud D and possibly other variants with assistance from North Korea and Iran."
--"Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions 1 January–31 December 2004," Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 13 May 2006.

15-20 July 2006
USA Today reports that an Iranian cargo plane suspected of containing missiles and launchers for Hezbollah was blocked from reaching its destination in Syria with the aid of U.S. allies Iraq and Turkey. Satellite photographs depicting Iranian crews loading three missile launchers and eight crates housing C-802 Noor missiles onto this aircraft confirmed an earlier tip to U.S. intelligence of an impending shipment of fresh supplies to be used in battle against Israeli military forces during the 34-day war. Iraqi air controllers denied the plane access to Iraq's airspace while Turkish officials offered permission contingent on an inspection of the plane's cargo on Turkish soil.
--John Diamond, "Officials: U.S. blocked missiles to Hezbollah," USA Today, 17 August 2006.

18 July 2006
In an interview with Charlie Rose, Syrian Expatriates Minister Buthaina Shaaban assures that "Syria has never and is not sending any missiles to Hezbollah," despite Israeli claims of evidence to the contrary.
--Transcript of The Charlie Rose Show, "A Discussion With a Representative of the Syrian Government; Some Context on Conflict in Mideast and Its Wider Implications," Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), 18 July 2006.

31 August 2006
Israel alleges that post-war analysis of artillery shells reveals that rockets supplied to Hezbollah were manufactured in Syria. Tel Aviv, with support from Washington, has called for international peacekeepers to be deployed to the Lebanese-Syrian border to patrol and prevent further delivery of short-range missiles to Hezbollah.
--Peter Spiegel and Laura King, "Israel Says Syria, Not Just Iran, Supplied Missiles to Hezbollah," Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2006.

6 October 2006
According to Israeli media, a high-ranking official working for Moscow-based Rosoboronexport Arms Trading Company was fired after Israeli authorities inquired about exporting of weapons to Syria. A spokesman for Rosoboronexport denied such claims and asserted that the company abided by Russian and international laws banning the supply of weapons to parties in conflict zones.
--"Russian Arms Exporter Denies Firing Official over Weapon Supplies to Syria," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 6 October 2006.

4 December 2006
The Jerusalem Post reports that in the four months since the end the war between Hezbollah and Israel, weapons convoys carrying short-range, long-range, and advanced anti-tank missiles have crossed into Lebanon from Syria at night. Israeli Defense Force surveillance contends that most of Hezbollah's long-range missiles were in battle during the summer and that any such missiles used in future attacks will be smuggled through the border.
--Ya'aqov Katz, "Syria Re supplying Hizbullah with Long-Range Missiles," The Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2006.

	Updated May 2006