Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi made it clear on Sunday that Israel would prevent the establishment of an Iranian military presence in Syria by all means at its disposal, regardless of the price that would be for Israeli operations.
He told the Jerusalem Post Conference in New York that "in recent days Iran's leaders have stepped up their threats against Israel. It is my duty to make it clear that we will not accept Iranian naval or air bases in Syria, and will not allow the installation of Shiite militias near our northern border." Hanegbi stressed, "My advice to the leadership of Iran is simple: do not test the Israeli prime minister, nor the Israel Defense Forces, nor the determination of the citizens of Israel."