THE relationship between Israel and Syria has entered a disturbingly heightened state of tension. This was underlined yesterday by renewed Syrian press attacks on the "warlike" nature of the new Israeli coalition.
The Damascus daily Al Ba'ath, asserted yesterday that Mr Benjamin Netanyahu is proving as hardline in government as he was on the campaign trail, and that he has destroyed the entire basis of the peace process since his election.
This completed a week of accusations and counter accusations which have left analysts on both sides talking seriously about a growing danger of war.
Most independent observers doubt that either side is interested in engaging in direct conflict, but the rhetoric is escalating at an alarming pace. And in the continuing absence of any kind of negotiation process between these two most implacable enemies, there is a real fear that verbal jousting could all too quickly lead more vicious confrontation.
Although a balance of fear has kept the Israeli Syrian border quiet for more than 20 years, the two sides are already faced off indirectly in southern Lebanon. There Israel maintains a "security zone" which comes under daily attack from Hizbullah fighters given leeway by a huge Syrian military presence.
The revelation last week that Hizbullah has received upgraded Katyusha rockets, capable of striking deep into northern Israel, brought an implied threat from Mr Netanyahu that Israel would hit back at Syria if the Katyushas were used.
Syria retorted that Israel was beating the drums of war.
Since then, the two sides have exchanged hostile signals daily. The Israeli press prominently reported that Damascus recently bested an improved Scud missile with an operational range that covered virtually all Israel's population centres.
Israel tested its Arrow missile, a defensive weapon which intercepted an incoming ballistic missile with what delighted military officials said was unprecedented success.
A leading Israeli analyst opined that Syria was more likely to initiate a war now that Mr Netanyahu bad come to power determined Cot to relinquish the Golan Heights. And a leading Labour Party politician claimed that Israeli military intelligence was also warning of the growing threat of conflict with Syria.
Watching from the sidelines with increasing concern, several Arab states have been urging moderation by both sides.
Oman yesterday called on Israel to resume talks with Syria on the basis, abandoned by Mr Netanyahu, of "land for peace". Egypt and Jordan have issued similar pleas.
Mr Netanyahu and his Foreign Minister, Mr David Levy, have belatedly made soothing noises about their commitment to regional peace, and denied any aggressive intent towards Syria. But the Netanyahu coalition is adamantly opposed to conciliation on the Golan.
This week's exchanges demonstrate that with no prospect of reconciliation old enemies can easily slip back into confrontation.