Four Iranians are also reportedly dead after rebels forces fired at two vehicles belonging to the Syria regime near Homs.

According to Israeli intelligence officer quoted in report, weakened but intact Syria under President Bashar Assad is better for Israel and region than takeover by Islamist rebels.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey calls shipment of anti-ship missiles 'ill-timed and very unfortunate.' Rights group says obtained evidence of arbitrary detention and torture by Assad's forces.

Turkey has accused Syria of involvement in the two bombings last weekend in the town of Reyhanli.

New shipment of anti-ship missiles are equipped with advanced radar that makes them more potent, U.S. officials tell New York Times. Meanwhile, Russia sends a dozen warships to protect its naval base on Syria's shores.

John Brennan met with Defense Minister Ya'alon; the Defense Ministry did not provide details of the meeting; Russian FM Lavrov says Russia plans to go ahead with sale of missile defense systems to Syria.

In joint White House press conference, President Obama cites need for further evidence before making Syria decision; Erdogan: Turkey in 'full consensus' with U.S. on need to end Syria bloodshed.

Competing interests undermine attempts to convene a global summit on Syria and make military intervention increasingly unlikely.

Newly released video is second in two days to show executions by self-described Islamist fighters.

Israeli intelligence doesn't point to Syrian retaliation for air strikes it has attributed to Israel, and a massive Israeli attack would only be a last resort.