IDF hits targets in south Syria, which Katz says Israel won’t let ‘become southern Lebanon’

IDF hits targets in south Syria, which Katz says Israel won’t let ‘become southern Lebanon’

Times of Israel is liveblogging Wednesday

The IDF confirms that it struck “military targets” in southern Syria, including weapon storage sites.

“The presence of military assets and forces in the southern part of Syria constitutes a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel,” the military says. “The IDF will continue to act to remove any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms that Israel is carrying out airstrikes in southern Syria after blasts were reported in several areas south of Damascus, and warns Israel “will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon.”

The strikes come after several Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanded in recent days the demilitarization of southern Syria, and warned that Israel would prevent the Syrian army from moving south of Damascus.

“We will not endanger the security of our citizens,” Katz says. “Any attempt by Syrian regime forces and the country’s terrorist organizations to establish themselves in the security zone in southern Syria — will be met with fire.”