US State Department Backs Israel As Tensions in Golan Heights Escalate

The State Department warned against an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Syria after an Israeli Air Force strike.

MOSCOW, January 28 (Sputnik) – State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki warned against an escalation of conflict between Israel and Syria, following an IAF strike on Syria army positions in retaliation for missiles launched at Israel's Golan Heights earlier in the day, reports Reuters.

However, the State Department emphasized its support for Israel to act in a manner of self-defense.

In Washington, Jen Psaki told reporters US officials "do not want to see an escalation of the situation,” reports Reuters.

Psaki said the United States calls "upon all parties to avoid any action that would jeopardize the long-held cease-fire between Israel and Syria."

"We support Israel's legitimate right to self-defense and have been clear about our concerns over the regional instability caused by the crisis in Syria," Psaki added.

It was established that the Israel Air Force (IAF) hit targets in areas under the control of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, two rockets from Syria hit the Golan Heights and Israel reacted with artillery fire.

The recent assault came during the rising border tension 10 days after an alleged Israeli air strike in Syria killed an Iranian general and several Lebanese Hezbollah operatives.