IAF jets scrambled in North after Syrian warplanes spotted near Lebanon border

The government of President Bashar Assad has used aircraft in its efforts to quell a rebellion launched by a coalition of secular and religious Sunnis seeking to install a new regime in Damascus.

By NOAM AMIR/MAARIV HASHAVUA
Israel Air Force planes fly over Tel Aviv. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel Air Force planes fly over Tel Aviv.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel Air Force fighter jets were scrambled in the skies over the North on Saturday morning after higher-than-usual movement of Syrian aircraft was detected near the Syrian-Lebanese border.
The government of President Bashar Assad has used aircraft in its efforts to quell a rebellion launched by a coalition of secular and religious Sunnis seeking to install a new regime in Damascus.
Israeli warplanes often fly sorties over southern Lebanon. Lebanese press has been known to report that Israeli air force jets are visible in the Beka’a valley.
The IAF flyovers come against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following last week’s attack in the Golan Heights against a convoy of Hezbollah and Iranian military personnel.