BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon both yesterday warned fighters in Syria not to attack Israel, while observing a large military exercise on the Golan Heights which straddles the border between the two countries.

Netanyahu made clear that the location of the drill was no coincidence, commenting “An exercise on the Golan Heights is not just a theoretical exercise… The situation around us has changed swiftly. It is volatile and dynamic.” The military exercise comprised a multi-day drill involving infantry, tanks and an unmanned aerial vehicle.

During the past few months, mortar and gunfire from fighting in Syria has landed on Israeli territory with some regularity. Although Israel has largely put this down to errant fire, the IDF has returned fire on occasion. Earlier this month, fighting between Syrian government and opposition forces erupted at Quneitra, just dozens of metres from Israeli military position. In a clear message to Syrian forces contemplating attacking Israel amid the fog of civil war, Netanyahu warned “We are not seeking to challenge anyone, but no one will harm the State of Israel without a response – a strong and resolute response,” which he said must instil “the fear of death” within the enemy.

Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who also observed the drill alongside Netanyahu emphasised the importance of the exercise, commenting that combat units “could find themselves called into battle at short notice.” Ya’alon also said “It is important to make clear to those on the other side of the border who are planning to harm us… that we are ready and determined to act with full force.”

However, former Mossad chief Meir Dagan said that Netanyahu’s comments were unnecessarily confrontational, commenting “Assad will not engage in war, but if put in a corner, he is likely to fire at us… There is no need to make threats.”