IAF F-16 fighter jet (archive)
IAF F-16 fighter jet (archive)IDF Spokesperson

A Syrian surface-to-air missile battery opened fire on Israeli aircraft flying over southern Lebanon, an IDF spokesperson reported.

In response to the attack, Israeli Air Force planes returned fire, destroying the surface-to-air missile battery which had attacked them. According to a report by Yediot Ahronot, Israeli fighters dropped four bombs on the SA-5 missile battery

According to the IDF, the Syrian missile battery opened fire on the IAF planes while they on a routine reconnaissance mission over southern Lebanon.

Israeli officials say the IDF notified the Russian military regarding the air operation and engagement with the missile battery before IAF planes opened fire.

No Israeli casualties were reported, and no IAF planes were damaged.

"We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the anti-aircraft fire and any attack originating from Syria," said IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus.

The IDF added that it views the IAF response as an isolated incident following the Syrian provocation, and that Israel is not seeking to escalate tensions with the Assad regime.

"We're prepared for any possibility," said IDF spokesman Ronen Manelis. "This was a Syrian provocation, and we will not allow it. On the other hand, we have no intention of escalating."