Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday accused Iran of attempting to escalate the relations between Israel and Syria. Speaking during a tour of the Israel Defense Forces' Northern Command, Netanyahu said that "Iran's recent attempts to incite to war between us and Syria are a completely groundless act."
Netanyahu added that the Iranians were "spreading lies in order to escalate the relations."
Together with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, the prime minister attended a military drill in one of the fire practice areas in northern Israel.
"We want security, stability and peace. Israel has not intention of attacking its neighbors, despite false rumors on this matter," said Netanyahu.
Addressing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's Declaration that Moscow would increase its involvement in the Middle East, the PM said, "We welcome any contribution to the promotion of peace and any practical measure on the part of our neighbors –including Syria – that will bring calm to the region and help launch a diplomatic process.
"We are willing to begin talks with Syria without any preconditions, just as we are currently doing with the Palestinians," said the Israeli premier.