Israel is saying there is no intention to launch any attacks against its neighbors.

The Saudi newspaper al-Watan quoted an "official close to Hezbollah " as saying such maneuvers are "not a routine measure."

He noted that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has postponed a scheduled visit to Washington "which is an additional indicator that something is happening."

Israel, according to the official, is ready "for a new adventure, especially that the Americans need to restore the strategic balance of powers in Lebanon and the region and regain confidence of their allies."

To achieve this alleged goal "they sent destroyers to the Mediterranean and escalated their stands against Syria and Iran," he added.

Washington has initiated economic sanctions against Syria and accuses it of being linked to the so-called Axis of Evil due to its close links with Iran and military cooperation with North Korea. Washington also accuses the Syrian regime of involvement in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Hezbollah is to 'follow closely' Israel army maneuvers planned for Sunday, the group's commander in south Lebanon, Nabil Kaouk, was quoted as saying Saturday.

'Israel's military drill is not a testament of its strength but of its frustration and despair following its defeat in the Second Lebanon War,' Hezbollah television al-Manar quoted Kaouk as saying.

Israel :No basis for war anxiety

Israel's president, Shimon Peres, spoke to press Thursday during his tour of the city of Arad, and clarified that "we have no intention at all of attacking Syria -- Israel is not looking to go to war, and I hear that Syria says the same."

"But," he added, "there are some sources who have interests in heating up the area."

This message was repeated by Israel's deputy prime minister, Haim Ramon. Speaking Thursday on Israeli Radio, he said, "the anxiety of the last few days is surprising and has no basis."

Similarly Israeli Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer recently told Israel Radio. "Israel is making every effort to get Syria back to the negotiating table,"

One explanation in Israel is that Syria is aware of plans by Hezbollah to carry out a revenge attack over the assassination of Imad Mughniyah in February, and fears that Israel's response to such an attack would be severe and could spark regional warfare. Mughniyah, whom Israel accused of being a Hezbollah terror mastermind, was killed by a car bomb in Damascus. Hezbollah has accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and has vowed revenge. Israel has denied any connection to the killing.

Lebanon urges army to be prepared

Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora urges the Lebanese army to be prepared for any 'Israeli violation' of the Lebanese territories.

The remark came after Israeli media reported that the regime is to hold a large-scale military exercise featuring scenarios in which they claim chemical and biological missiles may hit populated areas.

Siniora warned on Friday that Tel Aviv could exploit major military exercises to exacerbate tensions along the volatile border between Lebanon and Israel.

Sources: ABC. Naharnet, Ya Libnan

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