United States Senator John McCain crossed into Syria from the Turkish border with Free Syrian Army Commander General Salam Idris on Monday to meet with Syrian rebels in what the rebels are calling an extremely significant visit.

The Syrian Emergency Task Force arranged the two-hour trip for McCain. That organization is a major supporter of the rebels in Syria.

John McCain is a strong advocate of arming the rebels in that country and instituting a no fly-zone over Syria.

The Syrian rebel commanders that met with McCain in Syria urged the senator to get the United States to supply them with weapons and ammunition. They also asked for the implementation of a no-fly zone in their country. It is reported that the commanders came from throughout the country to meet with the senator.

It was also announced on Saturday by Hezbollah, that they are officially supporting the Syrian regime. Syrian rebels encouraged McCain to call on the U.S. to launch strikes against the Pro-Assad Hezbollah militants in Syria and Lebanon as well.

In response to McCain’s visit, the European Union has agreed to ease its arms embargo and further arm the rebels.

Russia criticized the lifting of the embargo by the 27-nation union saying that doing so will be “pouring more fuel on the fire.” It said that decision will damage the prospects of a Russian-U.S. peace conference proposed to end the two-year conflict.

A senior Russian diplomat said on Tuesday that Moscow plans to send advanced air defense systems comprised of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Assad in order to deter “some hotheads” from considering sending foreign forces into Syria’s internal conflict. It was not disclosed when that planned transfer is to take place however.

Israel reacted to the news from Russia and warned of possible retaliation if the transfer of weapons is made to their northern neighbor. Israel has already carried out strikes against Syria earlier this year to prevent weapons tranfers to Hezbollah.

President Obama continues to be reluctant to intervene and send weapons to the rebels in Syria. But, has provided non-lethal equipment and humanitarian supplies to the fighters there. Obama’s main concern is that those weapons may fall into the hands of anti-American rebels.