I'm going to take a stand and say the Syria is telling the truth. Israel has been alternately threatening and cajoling Syria over the Golan for some time now. The recent plan to establish a Russian Naval Base at the Syrian Port of Tartus, a couple of hundred miles from their border, must be a little bit of a thorn in their side.

There are a couple of reasons why Israel might do this now. One would be to see how serious Syria's new friend is. The other would be to send a message to Russia that befriending their local antagonist might entail significant risk.

I would think that Syria has little to gain from this since Russia has already come forward and their other alliances are under serious threat at present for one reason or another.

If you want to read my opinion in more detail, you can find it in my blog at papillonweb.net.

Dear Mosiac,Israel,Syria-Syria Israel! And you say "who's telling the truth?"
Why should anyone believe either sides politicians anymore?
Both are as superficial as each other,with a history of distorting the truth,selfishness and negative action,and NEITHER side has the integrity,honesty and honor,to show that they can follow through and turn their verbal empty promises,into positive,healthy actions for the future and their children. Both sides should be ashamed of themselves,for their hypocrisy!
When it comes to reciprocal peace for their children,if they really want it, PROVE IT! 'Talk doesn't cook rice'!

Syrian air defences have opened fire on Israeli aircraft after they violated the country's airspace in a "flagrant and agressive act," a Syrian military spokesman has said.
The Israeli jets "dropped ammunition" over deserted areas of northern Syria early on Thursday, a spokesman told the official Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana).
Israeli radio, quoting unidentified military sources, said Israel did not carry out an air attack on Syria.
"This event never happened," Israeli radio said, quoting an unidentified military spokesman.
Is this a start of a showdown between Israel & Syria? And who is telling the truth?