Netanyahu: Israel Attacked Weapons Sent to Hezbollah in Syria

In statements described as 'rare' by Israeli media, the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the military's fighter jets attacked Syria, adding that the attack was aimed at preventing 'the delivery of advanced weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.' On March 18, the Israeli army spokesperson also confirmed the airstrike on Syria, which has been described as 'extremely rare.' Now, Benjamin Netanyahu has directly addressed the targets of the attacks. According to the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu stated, 'Our policy is unchangeable. When we see an attempt to send advanced weapons to Hezbollah [Lebanon], and we have the information and capabilities to carry out operations, we will prevent it.' These remarks came after a statement from the Israeli army, which did not mention the targets of the attacks, although reports about 'Hezbollah's weapons' were published at the same time. Netanyahu further stated in comments broadcast by Israeli television, 'This [attack] took place yesterday (March 17), and this is exactly what we must continue to do.' The French news agency also quoted the Israeli Prime Minister's speech, stating, 'Our seriousness is unassailable, and the proof is that we take action. Everyone must understand this.' Hezbollah Lebanon is a major political and paramilitary group in West Asia that is supported by Tehran. This group is currently involved in the Syrian civil war, fighting in favor of Bashar al-Assad. At the end of Bahman (February), several media outlets reported that Israel had sent a 'warning' to Hezbollah through Arab countries, stating that if the group attacked Israel, the response would be 'devastating.' Hours before that, Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, had threatened that the group he leads has the capability to target 'Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor.' Netanyahu, one of the staunchest critics of the Iranian government, Tehran's actions, and the 2015 nuclear deal, had recently warned Tehran during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease its 'efforts to destroy' Israel. The Islamic Republic does not recognize Israel as a legitimate state and senior officials in Tehran have repeatedly referred to it as a 'fake' country, describing its existence as 'doomed.' Despite unofficial reports of attacks on weapons or arms sent to Hezbollah from Syrian territory being published several times, the Israeli army's announcement and the statements from its Prime Minister are unprecedented in recent decades.