Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said on Tuesday the country welcomes the deployment of Russia's S-300 air defense system in Syria.
Mekdad told reporters in Damascus that said Syria will use the S-300 air defense system to defend against Israeli airstrikes.
He accused Israel of attacking Syria many times with different excuses.
He said that the Russian S-300 missile system, which will be sent to Syria soon, would be used only when Syria is attacked.
"The missile system is for defensive purposes and should have been transported to Syria a long time ago. The tragedy of Russia's Il-20 electronic reconnaissance aircraft proves Israel's hostility and the support of the United States on acts that damage Syria. Therefore, we welcome such defensive assistance. These missiles are not for attacking. Israel often uses various excuses to invade Syria. When they do next time, they will have to think it over," he warned.
Mekdad's remarks followed statements by Russian officials that Moscow was going to deliver the S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile system to Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that "transferring advanced weapons systems into irresponsible hands" such as the Syrian regime "will ramp up the dangers in the region."
