Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. Netanyahu called reports of a chemical attack in Syria a “terrible crime,” and Israeli ministers say the U.S. and other countries must act in response. The U.S. is considering military responses to last week’s Syrian attack. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty, Pool)
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister says his country would respond “with force” if Syria does anything to harm his nation.
The United States is considering military action against Bashar Assad’s regime after it allegedly deployed chemical weapons against its citizens. Israeli officials are concerned that Syria might attack Israel in retaliation for any U.S. strike.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday if Israel is targeted “we will respond, and respond with force.” His comments were his sternest on record.
More than 100,000 have been killed in Syria. Violence has occasionally spilled over into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, where Syrian mortar shells have landed.
Israel has occasionally accused Syria of aiming at Israeli targets. Israeli troops have returned fire.
