Israel Says Damascus Blast, Preventing Arms Transfer to Hizbullah 'Consistent' With its Policy
Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said a massive explosion near Damascus International Airport on Thursday was consistent with Israel's policy, but stopped short of confirming his country was behind it.
Israeli warplanes have hit the airport and other bases around the Syrian capital in the past, targeting what it said were weapons stockpiles of its Lebanese foe Hizbullah, which is allied with the Syrian government.
"We are acting to prevent the transfer of sophisticated weapons from Syria to Hizbullah in Lebanon by Iran," Katz told army radio.
"When we receive serious information about the intention to transfer weapons to Hizbullah, we will act. This incident is totally consistent with this policy."
In line with its usual practice, Israel's military has declined to comment on the incident.
Israel has sought to avoid being dragged into the six-year civil war in Syria, but acknowledges carrying out air strikes there to stop what it says are deliveries of advanced weapons to Hizbullah.
Last month, in the most serious incident between the two countries since the Syria conflict began, Israeli warplanes struck several targets, drawing retaliatory missile fire.
Israel used its Arrow interceptor to destroy what was believed to have been a Russian-made SA-5 missile, and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defense systems "without the slightest hesitation" if it happened again.
Israel fought a devastating war against Hizbullah in 2006.
Source: Agence France Presse
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