ISRAEL PRESSES SYRIA TO EXPEL HAMAS

TEL AVIV [MENL] -- Israel has launched a diplomatic and military effort topress Syria to expel Hamas leaders. Israel has warned that Hamas leaders, particularly Khaled Masha'al,would be held responsible for the Hamas abduction of an Israeli soldier onJune 25. At least one Israeli minister said Masha'al, based in Damascus, was"targeted for death." "Hamas is being directed by Masha'al in Syria," a senior Israeliofficial said. "Masha'al gets his orders from Iran and Syria and they wantan escalation." On Wednesday, four Israeli F-16 multi-role fighters flew over the palaceof Syrian President Bashar Assad in Latakiya in a warning to expel Hamasleaders. The jets were said to have caused sonic booms.