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09:10 GMT
GAZA, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The two Iranian naval ships which crossed the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Tuesday morning are carrying "advanced Hezbollah weapons," Maariv Israeli paper reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
The sources told the paper, "Estimates indicate the two ships are carrying missiles of different range, rifles, ammunition, and night-vision gear... The voyage of the two ships is an Iranian attempt to go around the arms embargo on Hezbollah." The paper also said that it is believed the voyage is an attempt on the part of the Iranians to "test the waters" with and gauge the responses of the Egyptian Supreme Military Council and its stance towards Tehran.
Israel had yesterday stressed it was keeping close eye on the progress of the vessels, knew their location precisely, and kept close contact with US officials to exchange views and assess the situation.
Israeli Premier Benyamin Netanyahu had earlier on Monday said Iran was trying to take advantage of the region's instability to expand its influence.
(end) mzt.wsa KUNA 231210 Feb 11NNNN