Russia will soon reestablish two Cold War-era permanent naval bases in Syria, according to numerous media reports this week.

The bases will give Russia a permanent naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea.

Damascus agreed to let the Russians move back in as part of a deal to cover $11 billion in debt Syria has accumulated while arming itself with the latest Russian weapons.

Israeli defense officials told Ynet they fear the new Russian bases will be used to spy on the Jewish state, which is involved in several missile shield projects with the United States.