Israeli leader acknowledges his country operates in Syria 'from time to time'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands during their meeting on the sidelines of the COP21 UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris, France, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)
Israel's prime minister has acknowledged his country operates occasionally in Syria to prevent weapons from being delivered to Israel's enemies.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel acts in Syria "from time to time." It was the strongest admission yet of Israel's involvement in neighboring Syria.
Israel is believed to have carried out a number of airstrikes on suspected weapons convoys and other targets since the civil war in Syria began, fearing the potential transfer of advanced weaponry to the Shiite Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have hinted of Israel's actions in Syria in the past but have declined to comment on specific strikes.
Tuesday's comments come as Israel and Russia have established a mechanism for military coordination in Syria.