Netanyahu: We dealt heavy blow to Syria and Iran

BY Libyan Express Feb 11, 2018 - 19:15

War in Syria has been ongoing since March 2011 [Photo: Internet]

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has described his country’s most significant air strikes on Syria in decades as a heavy blow to Syria and Iran.

The attacks were in response to Syrian government forces shooting down an Israeli fighter jet on Saturday and claims that an Iranian drone entered Israeli airspace.

The air strikes reportedly hit an airport on the outskirts of al-Suwayda, in southern Syria, and a weapons depot near the capital Damascus.

Israel has sounded several warnings about the perceived increased Iranian involvement along its borders with Syria and Lebanon.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has urged Netanyahu to avoid any steps that could escalate tension.

Netanyahu has held several consultations with Putin, who for his part has sent forces to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Following the Israeli strikes, the two spoke again on Saturday, with Netanyahu conveying Israel’s intention to counter Iran’s actions.

The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.