Israeli F-16s Thwart Iranian Aid to Assad Amid Syrian Crisis

Israeli warplanes intercepted Iranian aircraft last year to prevent support for Syria's former president, Bashar Assad, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran intended to deploy troops to aid Assad, but Israel's intervention thwarted their plans. Later, Israel also disrupted Hezbollah's communication devices, leading to a ceasefire.

In a dramatic intervention last year, Israeli warplanes intercepted Iranian aircraft allegedly en route to support Syria's embattled president, Bashar Assad, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed on Sunday.

Netanyahu revealed this during a speech at a Jewish News Syndicate conference, indicating Israel's strategic moves against Iran's plans to assist Assad, just before the Syrian leader was toppled by insurgents last December.

Claiming Iran aimed to bolster Assad with airborne divisions, Netanyahu described Israel's action as critical. Additionally, he highlighted Israel's disruption of Hezbollah communication, contributing to a eventual ceasefire agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)