Pentagon pressing Israel to show captured tanks

Israel has captured several sophisticated Soviet-built tanks from Syria but has not yet permitted an examination by the Pentagon, which is eager to see the advanced weapon, Reagan administration officials said.

The officials said that between six and 12 T-72 tanks had been seized by Israel, presumably after being abandoned by Syrian crews. Israel is involved in complex negotiations with the United States over Lebanon and is likely to seek bargaining leverage through the Pentagon's interest in Soviet arms, the sources said.