Israeli military chief says Syria stepped up chemical weapons security

JERUSALEM – Israel's military chief says the Syrian army has stepped up security around the country's chemical weapons stocks.

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz did not offer details in his remarks Tuesday to parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee.

Gantz said the Syrian regime remains in control of its chemical weapons stocks and they haven't been raided by anti-Israel militant groups.

He added however that this could change.

His comments were relayed by a meeting participant who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose remarks made behind closed doors.

Israel is afraid militants like Lebanon's Hezbollah could seize Syria's chemical weapons should the central government in Damascus collapse.

In recent days, Israeli leaders have warned that they would be prepared to attack the weapons depots to prevent that from happening.