BICOM

Given the increasing prospect of a Western military strike against Syrian government targets, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday said that although the Syrian conflict is not Israel’s concern, any Syrian threat to harm Israel would be met with a fierce response.

On Sunday, Israel’s cabinet discussed the possibility of Western military action against the Assad regime and its potential ramifications. Netanyahu further discussed the issue yesterday with Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, after which the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement, in which Netanyahu said “We are prepared for any scenario.” He added, “We are not part of the civil war in Syria, but if we identify any attempt to harm us we will respond, and respond forcefully.”

Defence Minister Ya’alon struck a similar tone at a ceremony for fallen soldiers from the Givati Brigade yesterday. Ya’alon said, “We hear the threats against Israel, despite it not being involved in the bloody conflict in Syria,” adding “we’re reacting responsibly and sensibly to these threats, but are also loud and clear when we say that whoever wants to test us, will be confronted with the IDF’s might.”

Iran’s Fars news agency quoted a senior Syrian army source yesterday who suggested that Syria would attack Israel in response to a Western strike, saying “If Damascus comes under attack, Tel Aviv will be targeted too and a full-scale war against Syria will actually issue a license for attacking Israel.” The same source elaborated, commenting “a US attack on Syria will herald frequent strikes and attacks on Israel, not just by Damascus and its allies in retaliation, but by extremist groups.”

In Israel itself, the Home Front Command has issued no new instructions to the public, but YNet reports a surge in demand at gas mask distribution points across the country.