The Washington Times

Israeli defense chief: Rebels take Syrian villages

JERUSALEM — The Israeli defense minister says “almost all” Syrian villages near the frontier with Israel have fallen into rebel hands.

Ehud Barak delivered his assessment Wednesday during a tour of the Israel-held Golan Heights.

Barak said: “Almost all of the villages, from the foot of this ridge to the very top, are already in the hands of the Syrian rebels.”

He said the Syrian army is displaying “ever-diminishing efficiency.”

Earlier this week, Israel opened fire across the border after stray Syrian mortar shells flew into the Golan. Israel believes the mortar attack was spillover from the violence in Syria, and not aimed at Israel.

Bark says Israel will remain “vigilant and alert.”

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments
blog comments powered by Disqus

      Independent voices from the TWT Communities

      The Food Commune

      We all eat, and food should be fun and healthful. Food Commune celebrates the food we eat, the people we eat with and the spirits we enjoy.

      Media Migraine

      First over-the-counter column approved for fast and effective relief from even your worst media-induced headache.

      Political Potpourri

      A collection of reader guest articles, thoughts and opinions by Communities writers and breaking news and information.