PM WARNS IRAN NOT TO RETALIATE OVER SYRIA ATTACK

JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday issued a veiled warning to Iran, saying his country will defend itself against anyone that tries to harm it.

The premier’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran over an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting a Syrian air force base last week that left at least four Iranian military personnel dead. Iran has threatened to retaliate.

Netanyahu said Israel is “determined to stand strong” in the face of “continued incitement by our neighbours, a great many of whom refuse to come to terms with our existence.” He warned that “anyone who raises a hand against us won’t be spared.”

Iran has been a major backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the sevenyear Syrian civil war, providing his government with troops, arms and militiamen.

Israel has repeatedly warned that it will take action to prevent Iran from entrenching its forces in neighbouring Syria or transfer strategic arms to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.