Israel to destroy Russian S-300 air defense system in Syria if attacked

File photo showing a Russian military vehicles carrying S-300 air defense system drive along a central street during a rehearsal for a military parade in Moscow. (Reuters)

LONDON: Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned Tuesday that if Syria uses Russian-made air defense system against Israeli warplanes, then Tel Aviv will destroy them.
In an interview with Israel’s Ynet, Lieberman commented on the Russian plans to supply Damascus regime with improved air defense system.
“What’s important to us is that the defensive weapons the Russians are giving Syria won’t be used against us,” Lieberman Said. Israel Defense Minister warned Damascus that if they were to target Israeli planes Tel Aviv will retaliate and take out the S-300 supplied by Moscow.
“If they’re used against us, we’ll act against them.” Lieberman reiterated his country’s position not to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, but he warned against Iran’s efforts to flood the country with advanced weapon systems that could be aimed at Israel.