Israel warns Syria over terrorism

A senior Israeli defence official today accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of direct involvement in terrorism, but refused to confirm Israel was responsible for killing a Hamas leader in Damascus on Sunday.

Deputy Defence Minister Zeev Boim said the issue was not who killed Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil in a car bomb in Damascus, but Syria’s involvement in terrorism.

“Syria is responsible for directing terrorism against us and therefore it is not immune from our operations to prevent terrorism,” Boim told Israel Radio.

“This is a central thing that needs to be said. Anyone who hurts Israel, anyone who takes part in terrorism that leads to murder and the death of Israelis, he’ll pay for it, and it doesn’t matter if he operates in Israel or abroad,” he added.

Boim described Syria as a “central intersection” of terrorism and Assad as the “traffic officer” directing the operations and harbouring the groups.

Although Boim and other officials refused to confirm Israel’s involvement in Sunday’s car bombing, Israeli security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that Israel had a hand in the attack.

Hamas has vowed to take revenge for Khalil’s killing, pointing the finger directly at Israel. Syria also accused Israel of involvement in the killing.

Boim said Hamas’ threats should not be taken lightly.

“But we have to very aware and not take our eyes off the special place Syria holds in the chain of terrorism, regionally and globally,” Boim added.