Israel Warns Syria Not to Mess with Them

Country will "respond forcefully" if they're attacked in retaliation for any strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed in a televised statement that his country would "respond powerfully" if it discerns any attempt to harm it, amid signs the U.S. is weighing a military strike on Syria.

Netanyahu met today with top officials with security responsibilities as the U.S. and allies discussed how to respond to an alleged chemical attack outside Damascus that they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian and Iranian officials said earlier this week that a U.S. attack on Syria could draw retaliation directed against Israel.

Following the meeting, the Israeli leader went on television to warn Assad's government against such a reprisal.