Israel wants political solution to remove Iranian military presence in Syria

Moscow, Mar 17 (efe-epa).- Israel on Wednesday said it was willing, together with Russia and other countries, to seek a political solution in order to remove all Iranian forces from Syria.

The Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said during a joint meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow that Israel would defend itself against any attacks by Syria-based Iranian militias.

“We are ready to try together with Russia and other countries to find a solution to the Iranian presence in Syria,” Ashkenazi said.

On Tuesday, the Syrian air defenses intercepted several missiles allegedly launched by Israel on Damascus and in the southern part of the country, with no reported casualties or damage.

Israel often targets forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and their Lebanese or Iranian allies.

Repeated Israeli strikes in Syria have been seen as an attempt to prevent Iran from building up its military influence in the region. EFE-EPA

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