An Israel Air Force Patriot missile intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle that approached the Golan Heights border on Saturday.
The remains of the UAV, which is believed to have been gathering intelligence for the Syrian regime, fell over the demilitarized zone on the northern Golan Heights around 11 a.m.
The interception comes amid heightened tensions on the northern border as the Syrian regime wages a major offensive in Quneitra province aimed at removing rebels from the area along the border.
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said on Saturday that Israel views any violation of its sovereignty with “great severity,” and reiterated that it would respond to any provocation with force.
“We view the Syrian regime as responsible for all firing and violations of our sovereignty, and call on it to restrain all elements operating from its territory,” he said.
Photo: Israeli Defence Forces press office photo shows a launch of a Patriot missile in southern Israel.
Source: The Jerusalem Post