Israel hails Syria truce, warns against Iran ‘aggression’

JERUSALEM – Israel on Sunday, February 28, welcomed the fragile ceasefire in neighbouring Syria but warned it would not accept Iranian “aggression” or the supply of advanced weapons to Hezbollah.

“We welcome the efforts to reach a stable, long-term and feasible ceasefire in Syria,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting.

“Anything that can stop the terrible slaughter there is important, first and foremost from a humanitarian point of view.”

The premier added however that “it’s important it remains clear any agreement in Syria must include an end to Iranian aggression aimed at Israel from Syria’s territory.”

“We won’t accept the supply of advanced arms to Hezbollah from Syria and Lebanon. We won’t accept the creation of a second terror front on the Golan. These were, and remain, Israel’s red lines.”

The ceasefire, brokered by Washington and Moscow, appeared to be largely holding on Sunday, its second day.

Israel is reported to have carried out a series of raids in Syria targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah and the delivery of weapons to the Lebanese Shiite militia, which is supporting Syrian regime forces.

Israel has coordinated its actions with Russia since Moscow launched an air campaign against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s armed opponents in late September to avoid unintentional clashes.

Iran has remained a staunch ally of Assad, providing military advisers on the ground and “volunteers” to fight alongside regime forces. – Rappler.com