Israel fires warning shots into Syria

November 11, 2012 06:44 pm | Updated November 17, 2021 05:06 am IST - JERUSALEM

Israel was drawn into the Syrian civil war for the first time on Sunday, firing warning shots into the neighbouring country after a stray mortar shell fired from Syrian territory hit an Israeli military post.

The Israeli military said the mortar fire caused no injuries or damage at the post in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and then annexed. But in recent weeks, incidents of errant fire from Syria have multiplied, leading Israel to warn that it holds Syria responsible for fire on Israeli-held territory.

“A short while ago, a mortar shell targeted an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) post in the Golan Heights,” said Army spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich. “We answered with a warning shot toward Syrian areas. We understand this was a mistake and was not meant to target Israel and then that is why we fired a warning shot in retaliation.”

The Israeli military also said it has filed a complaint through United Nations forces operating in the area, stating that “fire emanating from Syria into Israel will not be tolerated and shall be responded to with severity.”

Speaking to his Cabinet on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “closely monitoring” the border with Syria and is “ready for any development.”

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