"Israel must sharpen condemnation of Syria"

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni on Saturday called for "more intense international intervention" in Syria and "more decisive Israeli condemnation" of the continuing "massacre" being perpetrated by Syrian President Bashar Assad in the country.

Speaking while on a tour of Druse villages in the North, Livni said that "the crimes committed by Assad give Israel a diplomatic opportunity to create avenues of action together with the Arab League and the more moderate Arab countries against Syria - a partnership that can also help in the struggle against Iran in the future."

Israel has been reticent to take an active part in diplomatic action against the violent crackdown in Syria which is entering its second year and has claimed more than 8,000 lives.

Livni called for a change in approach, saying "this is not the time for polite diplomacy. The time has come for the Israeli government to take an active and clear stance, as well as diplomatic action."

She added: "Israel would do well to join the principled and moral group that is coming out against the Assad regime and be part of efforts to provide the Syrian people with needed humanitarian aid."