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JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military chief said Tuesday that Israel will prevent Hezbollah from obtaining advanced weapons, amidst rising tensions on the Syrian border.
Speaking at a security conference outside Tel Aviv, Lt. Gen. Eisenkot addressed the Israeli interests at its northern border, hinting the air force will continue to strike Hezbollah weapon convoys.
Israel Defense Forces "prevent the strengthening of those who should not be strengthened by (the acquisition of) advanced weaponry," he said.
He added that the army "has managed to maintain the Syria border quiet," noting its policy regarding the Syrian civil war was one of "non-intervention alongside preserving our interests."
His words came amidst mounting tensions at the border. On Monday, the army confirmed that Syria launched a ballistic missile toward Israel. The missile was intercepted by the Arrow anti-missile battery over the Jordan Valley.
The anti-aircraft missile was fired by the Syrian military after Israeli fighter jets bombed "targets" in Syria.
The statement was a rare confirmation of Israel's airstrikes in Syria, where Israel has struck dozens of weapons shipments to Hezbollah, a Lebanese group linked to Iran that fights alongside the Syrian army.
Israel's envoy to Russia was summoned for "clarifications," in a move widely interpreted by local media as a message from President Vladimir Putin signaling Israel that its freedom to operate in Syria is over.
