Israel and US discuss possible Syrian collapse

Netanyahu says Jerusalem will act to prevent chemical weapons from reaching terrorists

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli government official said the country’s leaders have discussed with American envoys how to manage a Syrian government collapse.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that his country would “have to act” if necessary to keep Syria’s vast stockpile of chemical weapons from falling into the hands of militants should the regime in Damascus crumble.

With the bloodshed in Syria intensifying, President Basher Assad’s hold is looking tenuous.

Asked if Israel and the US had discussed managing a Syrian collapse, the Israeli government official said on Monday, “You can presume that these sorts of issues came up with American officials when they visited recently in Israel.”

He gave no details and spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the contents of confidential discussions.