IDF attacks Syrian missile launcher
IDF responded to the launching of an anti-aircraft missile toward an IAF jet flying over northern Israel; Syrian soldier dead: Netanyahu: Our policy is clear, we will respond to any aggression forcefully
The IDF attacked a missile launcher on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights Monday, after a round was fired at an Israeli fighter jet flying a routine mission over northern Israel, said an IDF Spokesman.
"The IDF views with gravity any threat against its planes and takes active measures to defend them," the message said. The missile landed in Syrian territory and did not harm the aircraft.
Syrian state media reported that an Israeli rocket attack struck the country's south, killing one soldier and injuring another.
The Monday report was carried on the Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya and said one military vehicle was also damaged. It said the rocket landed in Tal al-Shaar in Quneitra on the edge of the Golan Heights.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident saying: "Our policy is clear: We will not tolerate any aggression toward us and we will respond forcefully."
PM Netanyahu: "A short while ago the Syrian army attempted to hit an Israeli plane; it did not succeed. In response the air force destroyed the launcher that fired on the plane. Our policy is clear – we will not tolerate any aggression against us, and we will respond forcefully." pic.twitter.com/obexqYhj3W
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 27, 2019
The struck launcher was parked near Quneitra, a city that remained under the control of the Syrian government throughout the country's devastating civil war.
Syria recently stationed two military brigades in the area and Israel fears that Hezbollah may also try to maintain a presence there.
Syrian media had reported earlier this month two incidents in which Israeli strikes hit inside southern Syria.
Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its strikes in neighboring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged striking Iranian targets there.
