PM: Israel Wants ‘Correct’ Ties with New Syrian Regime, But Will Attack If Necessary

In a message to the new regime taking shape in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, December 10, that Israel wants to establish relations, but won’t hesitate to attack if it threatens the Jewish state.  

“We have no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Syria,” he said in a video statement, “but we certainly do intend to do what is necessary to ensure our security.”  

Therefore, he said, the Israeli Air Force was bombing “military strategic capabilities” left by the Syrian military of the ousted Assad regime, “so that they won’t fall into the hands of the jihadists.”  

“We want correct relations with the new regime in Syria,” he went on to say. “But if this regime allows Iran to reestablish itself in Syria, or allows the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks us, we will respond forcefully and we will exact a heavy price from it.” 

After the rebels took over Syria, the Israeli Navy missile ships struck two Syrian Navy facilities simultaneously; dozens of sea-to-sea missiles with ranges of 80–190 kilometers were destroyed; manned aircraft flew hundreds of hours over Syrian airspace, conducting over 350 aerial strikes together with fighter jets; a wide range of targets were struck, including anti-aircraft batteries, Syrian Air Force airfields, and dozens of weapons production sites; numerous strategic weapons were neutralized, including Scud missiles, UAVs, fighter jets, attack helicopters; air strikes on 130 assets in Syria were conducted, including weapons depots, military structures, launchers, and firing positions. (TOI/VFI News)

“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.” - 1 Peter 3:13-14a