News
Syrian rockets fired at Israeli Golan in suspected retaliation at air raid
At least two rockets were fired from Syria into the northern part of the Israeli Golan Heights yesterday. No injuries or damage was reported, but the IDF responded by striking the source of fire.
Two rockets exploded yesterday afternoon in open areas of Israeli territory and another two rockets were apparently also fired. The rocket fire triggered air raid sirens in local communities, sending locals and around one thousand visitors to the Mount Hermon ski resort fleeing for cover. However, the resort is set to re-open today and there are no plans to cancel school in local areas.
The IDF responded with artillery fire and recorded a direct hit at the source of the rockets. Late last night though, sirens were sounded again in the northern communities of El Rom, Neve Ativ and several Druze villages. The IDF said that no rockets had landed in Israeli territory on that occasion, but that Israel’s Air Force struck Syrian military targets shortly afterwards. An IDF statement said, “The IDF holds the Syrian regime as responsible for what occurs in its territory and will continue to operate as it sees fit to defend the citizens of the State of Israel.”
The Financial Times online reports that IDF assessments believe yesterday’s rocket fire was intentional and Haaretz says that Israeli officials believe it was the work of Hezbollah and Syria’s President Assad. It would appear to be retaliation for what was thought to have been an Israeli air strike last week in Syria which killed senior Hezbollah commanders and an Iranian Revolutionary Guards general. The raid reportedly targeted those planning an attack on Israel involving rockets, cross-border infiltrations, border bombings and anti-tank fire.
Responding to yesterday’s rocket fire, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned “Israel regards with severity the attack today from Syrian territory. Those who play with fire get burned.” Labour Party leader Isaac Herzog commented, “We can trust the IDF and security establishment … will know to make the right decisions.”