A state official is quoted anonymously by Reuters stating the United States has promised to inform Israel hours ahead of a military assault against Syria to permit the IDF to prepare. Syrian, Iranian and Hizbullah officials have released statements that any US-led offensive against Damascus would result in rocket attacks aimed at the heart of Tel Aviv.

If US President Barak Obama overcomes objections to an assault and decides to move ahead militarily, the IDF will require time to reposition forces and possibly Iron Dome or other rocket defense systems.

Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs Dr. Yuval Steinitz told the IDC-Herzliya counter-terrorism conference on Sunday (4 Tishrei 5774) that Israel has not interest in becoming involved in the Syrian conflict but Jerusalem will respond fiercely to any Syrian assault. “If any of our strategic interests are endangered, we will response with a mighty outstretched arm” he told the audience.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon addressed the same forum, and his message was one of calm, urging Israelis to continue with life as usual and not to change any holiday plans as a result of a possible US offensive against Syria.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)