Livni was expected to go "in the middle of January" following a recent invitation by her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the senior diplomatic source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

She will raise Israeli concerns over Moscow's decision earlier this month to supply Tehran with fuel for its first nuclear power station in the southern city of Bushehr.

Livni will also seek to convey Israeli fears that Russia's more recent decision to supply the Jewish state's arch foe with sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles could "encourage Iran to pursue its nuclear programme."

Iran's defence minister was quoted as saying on Wednesday that Tehran will receive S-300 air defence systems from Russia, following a decision earlier this year to also supply Iran with 29 TOR-M1 air defence missile systems.

Widely considered the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power, Israel regards Iran as its main foe after repeated calls by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for it to be wiped off the map.

Along with its main ally Washington, Israel accuses Tehran of using its controversial nuclear programme of uranium enrichment as a cover to develop atomic weapons, a charge Iran vehemently denies.

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