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IAF Targets Syrian Military Positions

The IDF attacked Syrian positions, sending a message to the Assad regime that if he allows Hezbollah to operate from his territory, then he, too, will face the consequences.

IDF artillery

An IDF artillery battery in action. (Photo: IDF)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) attacked Syrian military positions in the Quneitra region overnight in response to rockets fired from Syria at Israel on Tuesday. The IDF registered accurate hits. Arab news sources reported that there were no casualties in the attack.

Shortly before the IAF attack, Red Alert warning sirens went off in the northern Golan Heights again, but no rocket fire was detected by the IDF’s tracking systems.

“The [rocket] fire consists of a blatant violation of Israel’s sovereignty,” an IDF statement read. “The IDF views the Syrian government responsible for what occurs in its territory and will act at the time and fashion it sees fit to defend the State of Israel and its citizens.”

“We will maintain our defensive positions and take the necessary precautions to safeguard Israel,” stated IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner shortly after two rockets fired from Syria slammed into Israel. The IDF responded immediately by firing at Syrian military positions.

The IDF estimates that Hezbollah was behind the aggression on Tuesday, possibly in retaliation for a reported attack by the Israel Air Force (IAF) on a convoy carrying Hezbollah terrorists and Iranian military officials last Sunday. Hezbollah, Iran and Syria have all vowed to retaliate.

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The IDF attacked Syrian positions, sending a message to the Assad regime that if he allows Hezbollah to operate from his territory, then he, too, will feel the consequences.

A War of Attrition?

Benny Gantz

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gantz (C) in a situation room, discussing the operation with GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Tal Russo. (Photo: IDF)

The IDF remains on high alert, fearing that Hezbollah may try to drag Israel into a war of attrition. This is potentially harmful for Israel, as it would hinder the economy and harm the tourism industry, which is heavily dependent on Israel’s north.

Speaking last week, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Gantz spoke of the situation in northern Israel. “IDF forces are closely monitoring the events taking place here [in northern Israel], and are prepared, alert, and ready to act if necessary.”

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said on Monday that Iran is attempting to establish a new front against Israel from the Syrian Golan Heights.

“Iran seeks to attack Israel. whether from Lebanon with Hezbollah or from Gaza, with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, or whether it’s what we saw last Sunday – an Iranian arm that is beginning to develop, to open a front against us on the Golan Heights,” Ya’alon said.

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Speaking during an International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “Even those who try to challenge us within our borders will discover that we are ready to respond with force. Israel views with utmost gravity the attack against it from Syrian territory. Those who play with fire will get burned.Israel will always do what needs to be done to ensure the security of the Jewish people and the one and only Jewish state.”