ROBERT BURNS
AP National Security Writer

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s defense chief says Syrian armed forces have continued to use poison gases against civilians.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon (MOH’-shuh YAH’-uh-lohn) was asked at a news conference Thursday about reports of a recent chlorine gas attack in Syria.

He says, quote, “we still see it now,” and specifically mentions chlorine.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel isn’t commenting on Syria’s alleged use of poison gases. Hagel is in Israel for talks aimed at reassuring officials of the U.S. commitment to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, amid nuclear negotiations with Iran this week in Vienna.

Hagel is also observing preparations for a US-Israeli missile defense exercise.

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