Netanyahu says Israeli planes intercepted Iranian ones sent to rescue embattled Syrian leader Assad
The Hindu
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reveals intercepting Iranian aircraft en route to Syria to aid Assad, preventing troop delivery.
Israeli warplanes last year intercepted Iranian aircraft headed toward Syria, preventing them from delivering troops meant to assist the country’s embattled President at the time, Bashar Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (April 27, 2025).
The remarks in a speech gave a new glimpse into Israel’s thinking in the final days in power for Assad, a longtime enemy who was overthrown by insurgents last December.
Speaking to a conference hosted by the Jewish News Syndicate, a pro-Israel news agency, Mr. Netanyahu claimed that arch-rival Iran wanted to save Assad after watching the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in neighbouring Lebanon suffer heavy losses in fighting with Israel.
“They had to rescue Assad,” Mr. Netanyahu said, claiming that Iran wanted to send “one or two airborne divisions” to help the Syrian leader.
Editorial: Carrot and stick: On the U.S. and Iran talks
“We stopped that. We sent some F-16s to some Iranian planes that were making some routes to Damascus,” he said. “They turned back.” He gave no further details.
In fighting last fall, Israel detonated hundreds of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, days before assassinating the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Four Arab states urged the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate tensions to avoid regional instability after potential military action.
South Korea's court sentences ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years for obstructing arrest and other charges.
A fire in Seoul's last shanty town forces evacuations, with over 1,200 responders deployed to control the blaze.
Canada and China aim for historic gains through a new strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Beijing.
U.S. seizes sixth sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela, enhancing Trump's efforts to control the country's oil amid ongoing sanctions.
U.N. Security Council addresses Iran's protests, urging restraint and dialogue amid escalating tensions following U.S. request for intervention.
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez embraces a new era of U.S. relations and oil investment post-Maduro.
The U.S. and Taiwan finalize a $250 billion trade deal, reducing tariffs on Taiwanese goods and enhancing tech investments.
Trump announces the formation of a Gaza "board of peace" to oversee post-war governance and support peace efforts.
Senate passes bill boosting federal science funding, supporting NASA and NSF despite proposed budget cuts by the White House.
Bangladesh's interim government safeguards 'July warriors' from prosecution with new ordinance for political resistance during 2024 protests.
India plans to evacuate nationals from Iran amid ongoing protests, coordinating efforts despite challenges in communication and security.
The U.S. sanctions five Iranian officials for cracking down on protests, intensifying pressure on Tehran amid ongoing unrest.