Syrian official vows to back Hezbollah in potential war against Israel
The official stated that Hezbollah and Syria "share a destiny" and will work together against any attempt to "harm the proxies of Iran in the Middle Eastern arena."
By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUAUpdated: FEBRUARY 20, 2017 16:18Lebanon's Hezbollah members carry Hezbollah flags during the funeral of Adnan Siblini, who was killed while fighting in Syria(photo credit: REUTERS)
A senior Syrian official vowed to back Hezbollah in any future conflict that the Lebanese terror group may have with Israel, in an interview with Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai on Monday."We will be partners with Hezbollah in any future war against Israel," the unnamed official, whom the newspaper labeled "one of the senior decision-makers in Syria," said.The comments came after Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned last week that the group's missiles were capable of hitting Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona.Hezbollah blames rebels for death of top commander in SyriaThe official stated that Hezbollah and Syria "share a destiny" and will work together against any attempt to "harm the proxies of Iran in the Middle Eastern arena."The Syrian official's comments were the latest in a back-and-forth between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days. After Nasrallah threatened to attack Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona on Thursday, Israel reportedly sent a message to Hezbollah through an Arab intermediary that any any aggression would be met with a harsh response.A senior Arab official told the London-based Lebanese newspaper Al Hayat on Sunday that Israel warned through back channels that it would issue a harsh military response against the Lebanese organization if Hezbollah makes any military moves, even into Syria, from Lebanon. The source stated that Israel is closely following Hezbollah's armament and movements in Syria and Lebanon, including its presence in various areas of Syria that could be seen as a threat to Israel.The source explained that this warning was issued from Israel to Nasrallah via an Arab official because it is "serious and indicates the Netanyahu government's readiness to strike targets within the organization and within Lebanese territory, since Hezbollah has received the backing of the Lebanese government, which is what prompted Nasrallah to increase his threats."The source also said that Israel considers the Lebanese government responsible for Hezbollah's actions, including Lebanese President Michel Aoun, as he provided arms to Hezbollah, which makes the Lebanese army a legitimate target of the IDF should a war break out.