Syria does not intend to strike Israel, Israel Defense Forces intelligence told a ministerial forum for the northern front Tuesday, during a five-hour meeting on Syria's military capabilities.

The 11-member forum, formed six weeks ago, heard reports on Syria's arsenal from Military Intelligence officers, and from the Home Front Command on preparations for a Syrian missile attack on population centers.

The intelligence officers stressed that Syria has not redeployed its missile units, a sign which may have indicated Damascus was preparing for a military offensive.

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"The representatives of the defense establishments presented various scenarios of attack on the home front in the case of a Syrian offensive," a diplomatic source told Haaretz.

Nonetheless, a Military Intelligence representative told ministers that "Syria is not geared to strike Israel. The Syrian army is deployed in a defensive posture in case Israel launches an offensive on Syrian soil."

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who chaired the ministerial forum, said Israel sought to avoid misleading Syria and causing Damascus to take action that may lead to war.

However, the PM reiterated the necessity to be ready in the event of attack, saying "Israel wants peace, but we must be prepared. We must not allow ourselves to be taken by surprise."