Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

    JERUSALEM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak Friday warned Hezbollah against testing the might of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), local daily The Jerusalem Post reported.

    "I would not advise any one, any enemy to test us," Barak said in a speech to his Labor members in Tel Aviv, adding that IDF has been training with intensity not seen since 2001.

    The defense minister also said Israel was strong and determined to defend its security against any enemy.

    "Hezbollah continues to rearm and gain strength in spite of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is not being implemented," the defense minister said, adding that Israel is monitoring the situation all the time.

    Regarding the prospects of peace with Syria, Barak said the only way to make tangible progress was to begin direct peace talks, which must start off in secret.

    "The Syrians know that Israel is prepared to go very far. For both sides, it is a matter of defending vital interests. Courage is needed to make decisions and strength is required to carry them out so that we can reach a real agreement," the defense minister said.

    On Thursday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the fifth round of indirect peace talks with Israel was postponed due to the resignation of chief Israeli negotiator Yoram Turbowitz.

    The president also said Syria has put forward six points on peacemaking with Israel and has handed to the Turkish side and awaits Israel's response.

    "In the event that Israel responds positively, we will move into direct negotiation," Assad said, hoping for a new U.S. administration's commitment to the peace process.

    Israel and Syria announced in mid-May that they had started peace negotiations under the auspices of Turkey.

    The key issue between the two neighbors are the strategic Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War and annexed in 1981, a move that was not recognized by the international community.

    Syria wants the return of the full Golan, but Israel in turn wants Damascus to cut ties with its foes, including Iran, radical Palestinian groups and Hezbollah.