Israeli defense minister stresses need for dialogue with Syria

Israeli radio on Wednesday quoted Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai as saying that there is a need to find ways to maintain a dialogue with Syria.

Concerning withdrawal from Lebanon, Mordechai repeated his position in refusing to enact a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon without concluding a security agreement with the Lebanese government.

In statements he made during a meeting with Israeli Knesset members from the governmental coalition led by Roman Bronsman, Mordechai said Israel will be persistent in protecting the citizens of south Lebanon who are allied with Lahd's militia and with the militia's members, the Israeli radio reported.