Iran, Syria called ‘playing with fire’

Israel’s ambassador to Washington said yesterday that Iran and Syria are “playing with fire” and “will bear the consequences” if Hezbollah transfers two kidnapped Israeli soldiers to either of its patron nations.

Ambassador Daniel Ayalon did not rule out retaliatory strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, though other Israeli officials said that was not being planned.

Fears mounted that Israel’s military offensive against southern Lebanon could spread to other countries after Israeli officials said yesterday they had received indications that Hezbollah was trying to move two captive Israeli soldiers to Iran.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also expressed concern that the soldiers could be moved out of Lebanon.

The department last night authorized the departure from Beirut of U.S. Embassy family members, as well as nonessential personnel.

Asked during a luncheon at the National Press Club whether Israel might respond to such a step with strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Mr. Ayalon said he did not want to discuss “operational details.”

But, he said, Iran and Syria both “are playing with fire and will bear the consequences” for any assistance they give Hezbollah in holding the two soldiers as hostages.

Another Israeli official said privately that there were no immediate plans to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, although the country previously has hinted at such action and has armed itself with aircraft capable of mounting such a strike.

Israeli analysts suggested that Israel was more likely to strike next at Syria, which backs Hezbollah and hosts the Hamas leader blamed for the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted yesterday by the Iranian news agency as saying such action against Syria would be considered an assault on the whole Islamic world that would bring a “fierce response.”

Iran’s foreign ministry also dismissed suspicions that the soldiers would be brought there as “absurdities.”

Several analysts told The Washington Times that they thought Israeli officials were focusing on preventing Hezbollah from moving the soldiers within Lebanon or out of the country by bombing roads, bridges and airports and imposing a naval blockade.

“It’s premature to talk about military action against Syria and Iran,” one Israeli official said. “We don’t want the situation to escalate more than it already has.”

Wayne White, a former State Department intelligence official, said Israel was trying to determine how direct Iran’s and Syria’s involvement was in the attack.

“It’s really unlikely that they will directly attack Tehran right now, because they will respond in a tit-for-tat,” Mr. White said. “Israel’s done what it’s going to do for now, and it’s in a stage of waiting to see how Hezbollah will respond.”

Story Continues →