Tag Archive for Syrian unrest

| June 11, 2013
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Israeli PM says rumors of IDF forces operating in Syria is ‘nonsense’

According to PM Netanyahu, Iran is seeking an escalation in the area by ordering Syria to provide Hezbollah with advanced weapons.

Netanyahu affirms that Israel will do all in its power to stop this transfer of weapons.

By

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports in the media on Monday of alleged Israeli forces operating in Syria.

Netanyahu addressing the Knesset April 24, 2013.

Netanyahu addressing the Knesset – Photo: Emil Salman

“Any talk of undercover Israeli forces operating in Syria is nonsense,” Netanyahu said.

According to the prime minister, “Syria is in the midst of a long process of breaking apart that is seeping into our area. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 8, 2013
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Assad Aide: Israel’s Elite Units Aiding Rebels

Assad’s top aide claims IDF special unit involved in Quneitra battles.

 

In Hezbollah TV interview, she claims Israel working with rebels, which she called ‘armed gangs’.

By Roi Kais

In an interview to the Hezbollah affiliated Al Mayadeen network, Bouthaina Shaaban, the top political and media adviser to Syrian President Bashar Assad, claimed that the injured transferred to Israel during the fighting in Quneitra were Israeli soldiers and not rebels, which she called “armed gangs”.

Bouthaina Shaaban, the top political and media adviser to Syrian President Bashar Assad

Bouthaina Shaaban, the top political and media adviser to Syrian President Bashar Assad – Photo AP

“When we hear that wounded from the armed gangs were transferred to Israel for medical treatment, I wonder whether these might be Mista’arvim” – the Border Guard’s elite counter-terrorism unit, comprised of officers disguised as Arabs. Continue Reading »

Category: Jewish News | Tags: , , , ,
| June 7, 2013
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Hezbollah showcases Israeli flares & weapons found in al-Qusair

Hezbollah TV shows alleged IDF weapons found in town recently recaptured by Regime’s forces.

 

IDF: They’re ‘left-overs’ from the Israeli 2000 pullout from Lebanon

By Roi Kais

 

The Hezbollah affiliated Al Manar TV channel reported that weapons bearing Hebrew inscriptions have been found in the Syrian town of al-Qusair, recently retaken by Bashar Assad‘s forces and Hezbollah fighters.

Assad's forces in war-toen al-Qusair - Photo Reuters

Assad’s forces in war-toen al-Qusair – Photo: Reuters

The channel’s reporter showed the various weapons, including a 120mm flare.

In the broadcast, the reporter explained that “Israeli side-arms and heavy weapons” were found in the town, including “Uzis, found more than once, Israeli communications devices and heavy rockets.” Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: ,
| June 7, 2013
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Syrians seek refuge in Israel

After battle between Assad’s forces & rebels in Golan Heights, dozens of Syrians attempt to cross into Israel, but IDF soldiers send them back after determining Quneitra was safe.

Meanwhile, wildfires caused by Syrian gunfire spreads crosses the border into Israel

By Yoav Zitun

 

Dozens of Syrians arrived at the Quneitra border crossing between Israel and Syria at around noon Thursday and requested entry into Israel.

Syrian-born fire reaches Golan shrubbery - Photo Haggai Aharon

Syrian-born fire reaches Golan shrubbery – Photo: Haggai Aharon

According to assessments, hundreds of dunams have gone up in flames, some of which have come near the IDF’s Golan positions. An Israeli firefighter squad is currently at the scene attempting to take control of the fire and the IDF has instructed local farmers to stay away from their lands near the border for the time being. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| June 7, 2013
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Jerusalem to UN: Replace Austrian peacekeepers that withdrew from Golan Heights

Israel says it does regret Austria’s decision to pull its more than 300 troops out of the 1,100-strong UN force following clashes at Quneitra, but expects the UN to maintain its mandate on the Israel-Syria border.

 

Israel demanded on Thursday that the United Nations replace the Austrian soldiers that were pulled out of a UN peacekeeping force on the Golan Heights as soon as possible.

Quneitra Syria

Smoke rises from a fire as a result of fighting in the Syrian village of Quneitra near the border with Israel. – Photo: AP

Following the battles at Quneitra in Syria early on Thursday morning, Austria announced it was withdrawing its troops that serve in the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , , , ,
| June 6, 2013
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Safed hospital evacuated when hand-grenade found on wounded Syrian

One of the 2 wounded Syrian men sent to Israel’s Ziv Medical Center with gunshot wounds in the chest and abdomen, were found with a stun grenade in his pocket.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

 

 

Security personnel at Ziv Medical Center in Safed Thursday evacuated the emergency room and trauma unit after a stun grenade was found in the pocket of one of two wounded Syrian nationals who were transferred to the hospital earlier in the day, Channel 10 reported.

According to the report, sappers were called to the scene to neutralize the weapon, after which patients were permitted to return to the previously evacuated areas.

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Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| June 6, 2013
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Syrian Group of Al-Qaeda Rebels Now Positioned on Israeli Border

The IDF confirmed reports that Syrian rebel forces, most likely affiliated with Al Qaeda, now control areas of the Syrian Golan city of Kuneitra.

By David Lev

 

The IDF verified reports Thursday morning that Syrian rebel forces had conquered parts of the Golan city of Kuneitra, placing them directly on the border with Israel. IDF officials said that the takeover of the area by rebel forces was a “significant development.”

During the battle between rebel and Syrian army forces, a mortar shell fell on a UN observer base in the area. A UN worker was injured. IDF officials have advised agricultural workers in the border area to stay away from the border until the security situation can be clarified. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 5, 2013
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Hezbollah seeking reason for confrontation in Golan, Israel says

 

IDF officials: Hezbollah seeks to ensure Golan Heights  doesn’t fall under rebels’ control.

Hezbollah also hopes to use confrontation in Syria to acquire advanced Syrian weaponry without being detected by Israel,  although no attempt has been made since the alleged Israeli airstrike.

By Lilach Shoval

Israeli defense officials believe Hezbollah has been trying to establish a strategic foothold in the Syrian Golan Heights to facilitate attacks on Israel from that area, Israel Hayom has learned.

The Syria-Israel border may become a new venue for Hezbollah attacks – Photo: AFP

Although the organization still has a long way to go before it has a permanent presence in the area, its leader, Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, has recently indicated the existence of such a plan.

Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| June 5, 2013
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After Syrian military defeats rebels, they threaten Israel

General Command of the Syrian army warns the Zionist enemy involved in the aggression against Syria that they’re ready to face any aggression against their homeland.

By JTA

JERUSALEM  — Syria’s military threatened Israel after reportedly capturing the town of Qusair on the Lebanon border.

The Quneitra Crossing between Syria and the Israeli Golan Heights - Photo AP

The Quneitra Crossing between Syria and the Israeli Golan Heights – Photo AP

 

SANA, Syria’s state news agency, said the Syrian army on Wednesday took control of Qusair from rebels who had been fighting government forces and Hezbollah volunteers for more than two weeks as part of Syria’s two-year civil war. Qusair had been in rebel hands for more than a year, according to reports.

Continue Reading »

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| June 5, 2013
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Two Syrian shells explode in northern Golan Heights

 

Two Syrian shells land in open area, but, IDF still uncertain on which side of the border.


Assad’s forces clash with rebels over the last 24 hours in villages near Israel’s border.

Yoav Zitun

 

 

Two mortar shells exploded in an open area near the Syrian border in the Golan Heights, south of Majdal-Shams.

 

IDF tanks in the Golan Heights - Photo Courtesy IDF Spokesperson's Office

IDF tanks in the Golan Heights – Photo Courtesy IDF Spokesperson’s Office

 

The IDF is currently investigating whether they fell on the Israeli or Syrian side of the border.

Over the last 24 hours fierce battles were fought between Syrian rebels and Assad’s forces in villages adjacent to the border. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| May 30, 2013
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Washington tells Hezbollah to leave Syria

U.S. St. Dept says Hezbollah involvement  broadens Syrian unrest and is an “unacceptable & extremely dangerous escalation”.

US went on to affirms Washington’s continuing efforts to aid & support Syrian opposition.

By REUTERS

 

 

WASHINGTON – The US State Department called on Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia on Wednesday to withdraw its fighters from Syria immediately, saying their involvement on the side of Syrian President Bashar Assad signaled a dangerous broadening of the war.

Hezbollah terrorists - Photo by EPA

Hezbollah terrorists – Photo by EPA

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki condemned the declaration last weekend by the leader of the Lebanese guerrilla movement, Hasran Nasrallah. He confirmed his combatants were in Syria and vowed they would stay in the war “to the end of the road.”

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Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| May 25, 2013
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Nasrallah promoses Hezbollah victory for Assad

Speaking from his secret underground bunker via a televised speech, the leader of Lebanese guerrilla movement Hezbollah, says his group will stay in the Syrian war “to the end of the road” and will accept all sacrifices and consequences of position.

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF

 

 

BEIRUT – The leader of Lebanese guerrilla movement Hezbollah said his group would stay in the Syrian war “to the end of the road” and bring victory to its ally President Bashar Assad.

Women are seen watching Nasrallah at an event marking Resistance and Liberation Day, May 25, 2013.

Women are seen watching Nasrallah at an event marking Resistance and Liberation Day, May 25, 2013. – Photo: REUTERS

Hassan Nasrallah, head of the militant Shi’ite Muslim group, said in a televised speech on Saturday Syria and Lebanon were under threat from radical Sunni Islamists.

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Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| May 25, 2013
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Nasrallah’s No. 2 in Hezbollah: Assad serious about making Golan a front

 

Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem addresses possibility that the regime’s conflict will develop into fighting Israel in the Golan Heights, saying ‘if needed we are willing to help (the ‘resistance’).’ As for Israeli response, ‘we have the power to deal with any foolish act on Israel’s part,’ Qassem clarifies.

By Roi Kais

After the stray bullets from Syria turned into intentional fire, and while Israel is increasing its alert level, Hezbollah‘s deputy leader appears to be fanning the flames.

Hezbolla's #2, Sheikh Naim Qassem - Photo: Reuters

Hezbollah’s No. 2, Sheikh Naim Qassem – Photo: Reuters

“Opening the Golan front is a serious matter on the part of the Syrian president, and what is left is the performance on the practical level,” Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said Friday in an interview to Lebanese channel al-Mayadeen, which is affiliated with the Shiite group. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| May 22, 2013
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Israel Air Force chief: Russian S-300 missiles en route to Assad

Maj. Gen Eshel stresses ‘military faces real scenario of confrontation on multiple fronts’, saying Syria’s arming ‘will produce confidence & aggressive behavior’.

Yoav Zitun

Air Force Commander Major General Amir Eshel said Wednesday that S-300 advanced missile defense system will soon land in the hands of the Syrian army.

Amir Eshel Photo: Ofer Amram

Amir Eshel – Photo: Ofer Amram

Speaking at a convention in Herzliya, Eshel added “there is a clear understanding that such capabilities will produce confidence and aggressive behavior.”

“Aerial superiority is a condition to win and win quickly, and is of great strategic importance. The other side understands that well, which is why Assad, with his low budget, has invested billions into purchasing antiaircraft missiles.” Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| May 20, 2013
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Hezbollah takes serious losses in Syria with 30 killed on Sunday

At least 30 members of Shiite terrorist group fighting alongside Assad’s troops killed in battles in Qusair.

 

IDF outpost observes shooting directed at Israel from Syria.

Yoav Zitun, Maor Buchnik

 

An IDF observation post in the border area in the Golan Heights reported detecting small arms firing from the Syrian side of the border at an open area in Israel. No injuries or damage were reported.

מאבק עז של המורדים בקוסייר (צילום: AP)

Rebels in Qusair – Photo: AP

A complaint was lodged with the United Nations. The army is checking whether fire had indeed been directed at Israel.

Meanwhile, Syrian activists reported that about 30 Hezbollah fighters and 20 Syrian soldiers and militiamen loyal to President Bashar Assad were killed in heavy fighting with rebels on Sunday in the town of Qusair. Continue Reading »

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