'Israel says it will launch a military operation against Syria if Damascus transfers missiles or chemical weapons to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

"I have instructed the military to increase its intelligence preparations and prepare what is needed so that ... (if necessary) ... we will be able to consider carrying out an operation," the Associated Press quoted Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak as saying on Friday.

“We are following…the possible transfer of advanced munitions systems, mainly anti-aircraft missiles or heavy ground-to-ground missiles, but there could also be a possibility of the transfer of chemical means (weapons) from Syria to Lebanon," said Barak.'

Read more: Israel to Attack Syria if Damascus Gives Hezbollah Weapons: Barak