Israel says Iran’s forces in Syria ‘not acceptable’

By Abdul Raouf Arnaout and Eshat Firat

JERUSALEM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reiterated Israel's stance on the "permanent stationing" of Iranian forces in Syria.

"We have made it clear many times that we will not accept nuclear weapons in Iran’s hands, nor will we allow the establishment of Iranian forces near our border, in the Syrian region in general, or anywhere else,” the Israeli prime minister is quoted as saying by the Times of Israel.

He was speaking at a state memorial ceremony for David Ben Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the Israeli army would respond to any perceived threat in Syria, where for the last five years Iranian troops and Hezbollah have both fought alongside regime forces.

Also speaking about Israel's relations with Arabic countries, he said that the coordination Israel has with Arab states is "usually secret”.

"But I believe that our relations with them will continue to ripen and bear fruit in a widening circle of peace,” the daily’s website quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Reporting by Abdul Raouf Arnaout and Eshat Firat; Writing by Sena Guler