Chief of the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate (MID), Major General Herzi Halevi, spoke Thursday about the security threats facing Israel, saying that "we deal with the threats with determination, with those distant and those closer, in all their forms."

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Halevi spoke during an event commemorating the sixth President of the State, Chaim Herzog, who served twice as head of the MID.

"Iran is helping the most severe security threats directed against Israel from armed groups," Halevi noted. "These are serious, but not existential threats. Iran strives to base itself on our borders in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza, flooding our borders with its deadly ideology.

MID head Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

"Its leader hopes for the destruction of the State of Israel, but those who are exposed to our intelligence and military activity know that their hopes are expected to turn to disappointments."

Israel has been reporting for some time of Iran's growing influence in Syria. Last month, a new report by intelligence analyst Ronen Salomon detailed Iran's influx of power in the Syrian state. Israeli security experts have recently voice concern that Iran's ultimate goal appears to be securing a corridor from its border, through Iraq and all the way to the Mediterranean, thus providing it unhindered land access to its allies in Syria and Lebanon, for the very first time.

Earlier Thursday, the Syrian army warned Israel of "serious consequences" after officially accusing Israel of sending fighter jets to carry out a strike on targets on the state’s Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) near the city of Hama, which is responsible for research and development of nuclear, biological, chemical and missile technology and weapons.

Two Syrian soldiers reportedly died in the airstrike.

CERS (Photo: Intelli Times)

Following the strike, the Syrian Foreign Ministry sent a letter to UN Director-General Antonio Guterres and to the president of the UN Security Council, accusing Israel of being behind the attack.

"The Israeli attacks have become systematic behavior to protect the terrorists from al-Nusra Front and ISIS," their letter read. "It is inconceivable that the Security Council has so far taken no action to put an end to these blatant attacks. Israel's protection of terrorists has become immune to accountability."

Hamas also condemned the overnight attack on Syria, saying in a statement that they are opposed any aggression against any Arab or Muslim country.