TEL AVIV — Israel is pressing a last-minute diplomatic offensive to stop the Russian sale to Syria of a strategic air defense system.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Russian President Vladimir Putin in a discussion that focused on Moscow's plans to sell strategic military systems to Damascus.
Officials said Olmert urged Putin to halt Russia's plans to deliver the S-300PMU1 air defense system to Syria.
In a three-hour meeting, Olmert was said to have presented intelligence of Syria's strategic programs, including efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Officials said the prime minister provided Putin with details of Israel's strike on a suspected Syrian nuclear facility in September, protected by the Russian-origin Pantsyr-SE1 air defense system. Damascus received its first Pantsyrs in 2007 in a deal financed by Iran.
The official said Olmert had sought a meeting with Putin for several weeks. But Putin stalled until he concluded his visit to Iran on Oct. 17.
"The Russians plan to deliver the S-300 over the next few weeks and this was a desperate attempt by Olmert to stop this," an official said.
In wake of the September strike by Israel, Russia and Syria have concluded that Damascus required the S-300 to protect against Israeli air missions, officials said. They said the deployment of the S-300 would change the military balance in the Middle East.
"The deal would be financed by Iran, which also needs the S-300 against any American attack," the official said.
Officials said Olmert also discussed Russian arms exports to Iran as well as Teheran's nuclear weapons program. They said Putin assured Olmert that he would consider Israeli security requirements, but did not agree to reduce Moscow's military relations with Iran.
"The two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear issue following the Russian leader's visit to Iran," a statement by Olmert's office said. "Prime Minister Olmert briefed him in detail regarding Israel's stance on the issue and on the importance of the steps being taken which have led to a halt in the enrichment of uranium in Iran and its attempt to equip itself with nuclear weapons
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