Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i expressed skepticism Thursday regarding the sincerity of Syria's intentions to negotiate with Israel, saying that its continued support of Hizbullah made it difficult to believe the Arab state was serious about peace.

Responding to Syrian President Bashar Assad's statement Wednesday that Syria was interested in renewing talks with Israel, Vilna'i said that "as we speak, weapons are being transferred to Hizbullah - from Syria to Lebanon."

While Israel wanted peace, he told Army Radio, there were certain requirements that must be fulfilled. "The first stage is to implement the agreements to which we committed ourselves," he said.