Netanyahu told Putin and Tillerson: Israel will defend itself against attacks from Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said tonight that he clearly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Israel will defend itself against any attempt to violate the country's sovereignty.

"Our policy is clear: Israel will defend itself against any aggression and any attempt to violate its sovereignty," Netanyahu said, adding: "Iran tried that today. It violated our sovereignty and infiltrated its drone into Israeli airspace from Syria ".

The Israeli army announced this morning that it shot down an Iranian drone and attacked the Iranian installations in Syria from where it was fired.

Syrian air defenses fired missiles that hit an Israeli F-16 fighter jet, prompting the pilots to eject. After the plane went down in northern Israel, the Israeli air force launched "the largest and most significant attack" on Syria since 1982, as one Israeli general said.

Netanyahu said that he also spoke with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is leaving for a tour of the Middle East this weekend, Israeli media reported.

"Israel holds Iran and its host Syria responsible for today's aggression. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our sovereignty and security," Netanyahu said in a statement published in English.

He also said that Israel seeks peace but will continue to defend itself against any attack or attempt by Iran to gain a foothold in Syria "or anywhere else."

The Pentagon said today that the US fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its territory and its people.

Russia has previously expressed concern over the latest developments in Syria and called on the parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation.