IDF jeep hit by Syrian bullet near border; no injuries
Jeep on patrol in Tel Fares area hit by bullet fired from Syria. Incident under investigation, army says
The incident occurred at around 9 pm at the Tel Fares region in the Golan Heights as a bullet hit an IDF jeep. The Northern Command said, "There were no injuries, minor damage was caused to the vehicle."
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The heightened tensions on the Syrian border played a key role in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to apologize to Turkey over the Marmara raid.
In a Facebook post, Netanyahu explained that the situation in Syria warrants a reevaluation of Israel's relations with Turkey and noted that the presence of Global Jihad terrorists on the Syrian-Israel border in the Golan Heights "creates serious challenges for our defense establishment."
He further added, "It’s important that Turkey and Israel, which both share a border with Syria, are able to communicate with each other and this is also relevant to other regional challenges. In addition, the visit of US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Kerry created an opportunity to end the crisis."
"Syria is crumbling, and its massive stockpiles of advanced weapons are starting to fall into the hands of various elements. What we fear most is that terrorist groups will get their hands on chemical weapons."
Last Wednesday, four wounded Syrians arrived at Israel's border.
They were treated by the IDF near the border and two were taken to the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa on the orders of Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz.
The other two will be returned to Syria.
The four were injured by mortar shells and are in moderate condition. Last month, seven Syrians hurt in clashes near the border were treated in Israel. They were returned to Syria after receiving treatment at a Safed hospital. The IDF stressed the incident does not pose a precedent or any change in Israel's policy toward Syria.
Yoav Zitun contributed to this report
