The Russian-brokered proposal to dismantle Syria of its chemical weapons is an acceptable option if it is fully implemented, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu indicated Wednesday in his first comments on the situation in the north.
Speaking at a naval ceremony in the north, Netanyahu said that dozens and sometimes hundreds of innocent people were being killed on a daily basis just across Israel's border.
"Some of them were murdered by chemical weapons," he said. "That is a horrible crime, a crime against humanity. Now what needs to be ensured is that the Syrian regime's chemical weapons will be dismantled and the world will ensure that anyone who uses weapons of mass destruction will pay a price.
"The message Syria receives will resonate very strongly in Iran," he stressed.
Netanyahu repeated what he has said in the past regarding the Syrian crisis, that he was being guided by Hillel's ancient adage: "If I am not for me, who will be?"
He said the practical translation of that adage these days is the Israel will always be able to defend itself, by itself, against any threat.
Netanyahu cited comments US President Barack Obama made regarding Israel's ability to "defend itself with overwhelming force" during his speech on Syria Tuesday. "That is correct," Netanyahu affirmed, "and that is the foundation of our security."