Netanyahu: Attack on Missile Factory in Syria Symbolizes Israel's Resolve and Courage

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Thursday, January 3, the military attack on an Iranian-backed missile factory in Syria in September, stating that this attack demonstrates Israel's determination and capability to conduct operations anywhere to defend its national security. Netanyahu added in a statement, "This operation was one of our most significant actions against the efforts of the Iranian regime's axis of evil to threaten Israel, showcasing our resolve and courage to protect ourselves anywhere." On January 3, Israel provided details for the first time about the air force operation to destroy Iranian missile production facilities in Syria and released images from this operation. This operation, named 'Many Paths,' involved 120 Israeli commandos on September 8, 2024, during Bashar al-Assad's regime and prior to the onset of heavy and deadly Israeli attacks against the leadership and commanders of Hezbollah in Lebanon, with no Israeli commandos being harmed. The underground facilities created by the Islamic Republic for producing precision missiles for Hezbollah and the Assad regime were completely destroyed. These underground facilities were located 200 kilometers north of Israel and 45 kilometers from the western Syrian coast, at a depth of 70 to 130 meters within a mountain near the Syrian government's military industries research center in Masyaf, making their destruction through direct airstrikes challenging. The Israeli army confirmed that it had monitored this site for over five years and had targeted its facilities multiple times, but ultimately determined that airstrikes alone were insufficient to destroy the underground infrastructure created by the Islamic Republic. According to reports, Israeli air force commandos arrived at the site by helicopter, retrieved documents, and then used explosives to demolish the underground facilities. Special Israeli operations against the IRGC's missile facilities in Syria have resumed, as have missile launches by the Houthis following Israeli attacks on Sanaa. Gantz stated that the opportunity for a 'strategic blow' to the Islamic Republic is at hand. Channel 12 reported on Israeli officials' willingness to directly attack the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu remarked that the Islamic Republic is still in shock from our attacks. Prince Reza Pahlavi welcomed Netanyahu's message to the Iranian people, calling it a step in the right direction. Netanyahu told the Iranian people: 'The Islamic Republic has stolen your money and wasted it.'