Israeli tanks struck a Syrian artillery launcher Monday after a stray mortar shell flew into Israel-held territory, the first direct clash between the neighbors since the Syrian uprising began nearly two years ago.
The confrontation fueled new fears that the Syrian civil war could drag Israel into the violence, a scenario with grave consequences for the region. The fighting has already spilled into Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
"We are closely monitoring what is happening and will respond appropriately. We will not allow our borders to be violated or our citizens to be fired upon," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday in a speech to foreign ambassadors.
While officials believe President Bashar Assad has no interest in picking a fight with Israel, they fear the embattled Syrian leader may try to draw Israel into the fighting in a bout of desperation. Israeli officials believe it is only a matter of time before Syrian rebels topple the longtime leader.
Ukraine on Sunday launched a wave of strikes against Russian oil targets, hitting a key loading...
The United States reportedly delivered around 6,500 tons of weapons and military equipment to Israel within...
Almost everyone, at this point, has heard of AIPAC, it seems. The Israel-first lobby has made...
Israel is preparing to spend nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars on its propaganda arm as...
