JERUSALEM - Israel is not looking for a fight with Syria, Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Friday for a second time in less than 12 hours, after Israel mobilized more reservists for its Hezbollah offensive.
"We have said on numerous occassions that we have no intention of an offensive toward Syria," Peretz told army radio while visiting a navy base.
"We are doing all so that the situation on the front with Syria remains unchanged and we are sending the message with the hope that it will be heard," he said.
"We hope that Hezbollah does not drag Damascus into the conflict," he said.
Peretz made similar comments Thursday night, after Israel's security council approved a call-up of up to 30,000 additional reservists.
Israel accuses Syria, along with Iran, of arming and training Hezbollah.
07/28/2006 11:57 GMT