Itay Brun, head of the IDF Military Intelligence research section. Photo by timesofisrael.com
The Syrian government is using chemical weapons against rebel forces, according to an Israeli official.
"In all likelihood they used sarin gas," Itai Brun, the head of the Israel Defense Forces' intelligence research departments, said Tuesday, according to CNN.
The official’s remark was made as US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before departing for a brief visit to Jordan.
Analysts believe the Syrian government may have one of the largest stockpiles of chemical weapons in the world. The supply is believed to include sarin, mustard and VX gases, which are banned under international law.
US President Barack Obama has called the use of chemical weapons a "red line" for the United States that would trigger unspecified US action.