Israeli opposition leader breaks rank on reported Syrian mission

ISRAELI opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has broken an official silence over Syria’s accusations that Israel bombed its territory, hinting the reported mission was of strategic significance and a success.

Asked during an Israeli television interview to comment on “that operation that is so cloaked in secrecy”, Netanyahu said: “I was privy to the matter from the outset and I gave my backing. But it’s too early to be discussing this.”

Netanyahu’s remarks, broadcast live, flew in the face of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert government’s refusal to talk about the September 6 incident and drew flak from rivals and allies alike who suggested the hawkish ex-premier was vying for credit.