BICOM

Israel’s leaders yesterday stressed that the chances of conflict resulting from a Western strike on Syria remain slim, but that the country’s armed forces remain fully prepared for such an eventuality.

Following a meeting with defence officials in Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement in which he said, “There is no need to change our routine at this time” and there is a “low probability that Israel will become involved in what is happening in Syria.” However, he warned “We are not involved in the civil war in Syria, but let me reiterate, if someone tries to harm Israel’s citizens, the IDF will respond with immense power.”

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz also said that Israelis should go about their daily routine and prepare for next week’s Jewish New Year as normal, “with the knowledge that the IDF is there to protect them – determined, strong and ready as always.” However, Gantz pledged that “in the event that fire is directed in Israel’s direction, it’s clear to every leader in our region and in the whole world that the price [for the attacker] will be heavy and the losses of the enemy will be stinging and difficult.”

Some reports in Israel suggested that the IDF had cancelled all leave for units in the north of the country, although this was unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Israel’s Health Ministry told all hospitals that “For now… there is no change in the level of readiness,” but that “it is possible that we will be called into immediate action with little notice.”

Meanwhile, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Maj. Gen. Muhammed Ali Jafari threatened that a Western strike on Syria would lead to the “imminent destruction” of Israel. Channel Ten yesterday reported that Hezbollah is deploying forces in South Lebanon and preparing to respond to potential action against Syria.