Syria, Iran Threaten Israel in Wake of Strike

Syria today threatened to retaliate for an Israeli airstrike, and its ally Iran chimed in, too, saying there will be repercussions for the Jewish state over the attack. Syria's ambassador to Lebanon said Damascus "has the option and the capacity to surprise in retaliation." He said he could not predict when Damascus would retaliate, noting it was up to the relevant authorities to prepare the retaliation and choose the time and place. In Iran, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the deputy foreign minister as saying the raid on Syria will have significant implications for Israel.

Syrian ally Russia also expressed concern, saying it appeared to be an unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation. "Whatever the motives, this is not justified," declared its Foreign Ministry. In Israel, a lawmaker close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stopped short of confirming involvement in the strike, which reportedly targeted a convoy believed to be carrying anti-aircraft weapons bound for Hezbollah. But he hinted that Israel could carry out similar missions in the future. (More Israel stories.)