Meretz Chairman Yossi Beilin said that while the report was troubling, Israel should respond by engaging in direct talks with Syria. "The threat from the North is growing right before our eyes, and our government is responding by rejecting [Assad's] statements," said Beilin. "Those who refuse today to enter into direct or indirect talks with Syria instead of acting in Israel's interests may find themselves responsible for another round of unnecessary bloodshed in the region."

according to media reports Iran would fund, to the tune of $1 billion, new Syrian fighter jets, tanks and antiship missiles, and would aid Syria's nuclear and chemical weapons research programs. Assad also reportedly promised Ahmadinejad that he would cease his pursuit of peace talks with Israel if Iran would back Syrian interests in Lebanon.

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