Israel's defense minister says advanced anti-aircraft missiles have not reached Syria.

Moshe Yaalon said that according to "Russian talk," the sophisticated S-300 anti-aircraft missiles have not yet been delivered, despite indications to the contrary from Syrian president Bashar Assad. Russia has said it is committed selling the missiles. Israel and the U.S. have pressured Russia to cancel the sale.

Yaalon made the remarks to a parliamentary committee Monday.

Israel has carried out several airstrikes in Syria in recent months that are believed to have destroyed weapons shipments bound for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Israel has not confirmed carrying out the attacks.

The delivery of the Russian missiles to Syria could limit the Israeli air force's ability to act. Israel has threatened to attack the missiles if they are delivered.

AP