Syrian diplomat blames Israel for escalation

Syria’s vice president today blamed Israel for the escalating violence in Lebanon and Palestinian territories, and Arab countries worried over possible Israeli retaliation against Syria after the capture of two Israeli soldiers by its ally, Hezbollah.

Syria also is host to the top leadership of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, whose fighters seized an Israeli soldier two weeks ago – putting Damascus at the centre of blame by Israel and the United States in the crisis.