Syria Today | Do you think there will be a war between Syria and Israel this summer?

Do you think there will be a war between Syria and Israel this summer?

Damascus and Tel Aviv have traded accusations and counter-accusations for a number of months now. Will the tensions lead to war this summer? Syria Today hit the streets of Damascus to ask ordinary Syrians what they think.

Tariq Mahmoud, 39, civil engineer:

"Syria always seeks peace and the world should know that. Israel's power has worn out despite US support. Syrians fought with their brothers and friends against Israel in 1948 and we will continue to do so if need be. When war comes, we don't hesitate, regardless of the balance of power. The language Israel uses is a cover to continue building settlements and killing people in Gaza. They raised the tone just before Obama renewed the sanctions on Syria when they began to talk about missiles in Lebanon. Their tricks are childish, but we shouldn't be surprised when the US listens to them."

Amer al-Boustani, 24, student:

"War for the time being is impossible. Many Israelis have begun saying that they used to believe in war, but now they believe that there is no solution for Israel other than peace. Israel knows very well that the Arab resistance is not based on armies only. The resistance as a perception is growing stronger in the Arab street. Syrians will enter any war for the sake of their land. Israel, on the other hand, has become weaker. We saw that in its wars against Lebanon and Gaza. What did they achieve? Nothing. Hezbollah and Hamas are still sharp daggers pointed at their eyes and the Israelis don't know what to do."

Ghiath Naser al-Den, 26, waiter:

"Israel, after weeks of threats, has said it has no intention of attacking Syria. However, this means nothing. Israel is a prime example of international terrorism. It hasn't implemented decisions from the UN and it declares wars and breaks international and humanitarian law. No one can predict what the Israelis will do. They kill children, women, civilians, reporters, Red Cross volunteers and UN staff. We can expect this anytime. But Israel would never declare war without US permission and the US is suffering in Iraq and Afghanistan. That said, it is clear Israel is not interested in making peace."

Manar Saleh, 21, student:

"Israel is afraid of a new war in the region. But a war could erupt and if it does it is going to be a destructive one. By the end of it, however, Israel will have learnt that it made the wrong decision. Syria's connections with Russia, Turkey and Iran, not to mention the Arabs, are stopping it from starting a new war with Syria. But then again, the stupid decision made in 2006 against Lebanon could be made again. It's unpredictable. Syria has prepared itself for any Israeli foolishness, since Israel is an enemy which only understands the language of force. And for me personally, I think war would be a way to achieve the goal of freeing our occupied lands."