 Israel accused the Iranian government of supporting Hizbullah and supplying it with a new arsenal of long-range surface-to-surface missiles capable of reaching Tel Aviv and its surroundings. Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told reporters in London during an official visit to Britain that the missiles are shipped or flown by cargo via Damascus on a monthly basis. Mofaz said Israel was under "serious threat" because Tel Aviv and its surroundings were within the range of those missiles if they are fired from the Bekaa or the South. He accused Syria of continuing to support terrorism and of being deeply involved in terrorist operations against U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq. "The leaders of Palestinian terrorist organizations are still in Damascus, and the Syrians do not allow the Lebanese government to send its army to its Hizbullah controlled southern border" said Mofaz. The claims were seen in the Beirut press as part of Israel's ongoing campaign to convince the U.S. that Hizbullah constitutes a threat to Mideast peace. |