JERUSALEM — Israel’s Minister of Intelligence Israel Katz said on Sunday that by striking key Iranian sites in Syria, Israel sent a clear message to Iran that it would not tolerate an Iranian military foothold on its doorstep and would act decisively to counter any further provocations. The military said it destroyed the drone’s Iranian launching site, along with four additional Iranian positions and eight Syrian sites, including the Syrian military’s main command and control bunker. ADVERTISEMENTFormer Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon told Army Radio that Iran was caught off guard by Israel’s actions. “They were really surprised.”Israel has long complained about the involvement of archenemy Iran, and Iranian proxy Hezbollah, in the Syria war. Israel has said it will not accept a permanent military presence by Iran and its Shiite allies in Syria, especially near the Israeli border.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 11, 2018 10:07 UTC