Two rockets fired at Golan Heights; One rocket landed in Israeli territory; PM held security consultations late Saturday; IDF retaliates, hits multiple sites in Syria; Russia, Israel and USA to meet on Iran in Syria in Jerusalem.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in Syria overnight in retaliation for two rockets fired at Mt. Hermon in the Golan Heights on Saturday night. One of the two rockets fired from southern Syria hit Israeli territory with no injuries or damages reported.
The IDF Spokespersons Unit confirmed the events, stating on Sunday after its strikes in Syria, “Last night two rockets were launched from Syria to Israel, one landing within Israeli territory. In response, we struck a number of Syrian Armed Forces military targets.” Strikes targeted and hit two Syrian army defense batteries, an observation point, intelligence posts and an SA-2 aerial defense battery. The IDF reiterated that the Syrian regime will be held accountable and that the IDF will “firmly operate against any attempt to harm Israeli civilians.”
Reports from Syria’s state news agency SANA claimed three soldiers were killed and seven others wounded. Reports from other outlets claimed up to ten were killed including several “foreign fighters”, most likely Iranian or Iranian-trained militants in Syria. Mixed reports claim the strikes targeted both Iranian and Hezbollah targets aside from the Syrian army targets hit.
Prime Minister Netanyahu held an emergency consultation with security officials late on Saturday, where he “instructed the IDF to take strong action.” He warned Syria, “We will not tolerate firing at our territory and will respond with great force to any aggression against us. This has been my consistent policy and this is what we will continue to do for the security of Israel.” The IDF and Defense Ministry have been clear that Iran’s entrenchment in Syria, transfers of weapons to Hezbollah and any aggression or terror on the State of Israel are red lines.
The White House confirmed a meeting between Israel, Russia and the United States on Syria and Iran would be held in Jerusalem later this month following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s direct request for the meeting to President Trump. US National Security Adviser John Bolton and his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat will meet with Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council Nikolay Patrushev. The leaders will center their talks on curbing Iran’s presence in Syria, and its threats on the State of Israel.
Photo: Andreas Zeitler/Shutterstock.com
