News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Defense Minister Ehud Barak's cancellation of a trip to Germany has no connection with fears that a confrontation with Syria or Hizbullah is imminent, ministry advisor Amos Gilad told Voice of Israel government radio Thursday morning. He explained that the Defense Minister changed his schedule and decided to remain in Israel because of a heavy workload.

Israeli media headlined the possibility of a war based on the Minister's remaining in Israel following statements in a London-based Arabic newspaper that Syria has deployed forces in the face of fears of an Israeli attack. A similar scenario occurred last year, when media said both countries were preparing for war.

Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Dan Harel told reporters, "I see no reason at all for unusual tension in the North and I do not think that any side is interested in a military confrontation."