February 1, 2000
Web posted at: 10:52 p.m. EST (0352 GMT)

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From staff and wire reports

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel has softened its tone against Syria, saying it is willing to negotiate with Damascus for peace but will not allow Lebanese guerrillas to go unpunished for the killing of three Israeli soldiers.

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Prime Minister Ehud Barak vowed to retaliate against "those who hit us." But he added: "I do not think that, at this juncture, we should relate it in any direct way to the negotiations with Syria," Lebanon's main power broker.

His comments Tuesday were noticeably toned down from his statement Monday that Syria must curb Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon before it resumed peace talks with Israel. The Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the killings of the three Israeli soldiers.

Albright urges restraint

U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Tuesday also urged Syria to rein in Hezbollah, an Islamic militant group. She was at a Middle East conference in Moscow, a meeting attended by 13 foreign ministers from several Arab states and Israel.

Albright said fighting in southern Lebanon did not help the peace process and called on all sides to exercise restraint. Asked whether Syria had the will and capability to rein in Hezbollah, Albright replied: "I do believe it is important for Syria to use its capability there."

In Moscow, Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy criticized Syria over the killings of the three soldiers. "Whoever plays with fire can also get burned," Levy said. "I hope that wisdom will guide Syria to return to the negotiations."

"Peace is achieved when responsible people sit around the table without tension, without a threat, without ultimatums and without violence."

Barak vows to retaliate against 'those who hit us' but says the peace process must continue

Also Tuesday, Barak visited the base in Israeli-occupied southern Lebanon where the Hezbollah guerrillas struck. He met senior Israeli army officers and Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of the Israel-sponsored South Lebanon Army. As reporters watched, Barak put his arm around Lahad's shoulder and said, "We are brothers in arms."

Israeli general calls for retaliation

Barak is resisting strong pressure from the South Lebanon Army and his own army chief to deliver an immediate strike against Lebanese guerrillas to punish them for the worst flare-up of violence in the area in six months.

Syria "could do more to restrain" the guerrillas, Barak said, adding that he hoped Syria recognized "common interests" with Israel in keeping the area calm.

But the Israeli army chief, Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz, said retaliation is needed.

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"I don't think it's acceptable that the Syrians permit and encourage Hezbollah to act against the army," Mofaz said. "I think we have to react with force in a determined and unequivocal manner."

Israel and Syria resumed peace negotiations in December after a break of nearly four years, but they broke off again last month as Syria demanded that Israel first pledge to give up the strategic Golan Heights.

Barak has indicated his willingness to give up most or all the plateau, captured from Syria in 1967, but not as a precondition for negotiations.

U.S. Middle East peace envoy Dennis Ross is due to visit the region Wednesday as part of peace efforts.

Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat are likely to meet Thursday to discuss their February 13 deadline for a draft on a final peace deal they aim to reach by September. Barak is also due to meet King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman on Sunday for talks on the Middle East peace process.

Jerusalem Bureau Chief Walter Rodgers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.