Military

DATE=10/30/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / SYRIA (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-268616

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Israel says it will hold Syria responsible for renewed attacks by Lebanese guerrillas on Israel's northern border. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israel's deputy defense minister, Ephraim Sneh, says Syria, which is considered the main power broker in Lebanon, will be held responsible for any attacks by Lebanese guerrillas on Israel's northern border.

Mr. Sneh accused Syria of allowing such attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas, and warned that Israel will retaliate.

The daily Ha'aretz newspaper says Israel's military commanders will recommend strikes on Syrian targets, if attacks along the border continue.

Mr. Sneh is holding Syria responsible for recent clashes along the border, including the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah guerrillas earlier this month.

Hezbollah fought Israel during its more than 20-year occupation of southern Lebanon, before Israel withdrew its forces last May.

Israel is apparently trying to avoid fighting in the north while fierce clashes continue with the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (SIGNED)

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