World Bulletin / News Desk

The United States and Russia, both of which are currently active in the Syrian civil war, recognize Israel's "freedom to act and to defend our interests," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said on Monday. 

"Israel is following one principal – defending itself," Ya'alon added, referring to recent reports of Israeli strikes in Syria.

"We do not intervene in conflicts in the region, neither in Lebanon, nor in Syria, nor in other places," Ya'alon said, during a visit aboard the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, which is currently docked in Haifa Port.

The situation in Syria is chaotic, Ya'alon said, noting that American attempts to achieve a ceasefire had failed.

"It's difficult to see the reality of a stable ceasefire, with all of the elements [in Syria] agreeing to it." he said.

"ISIL is not a part of this process, the Nusra Front is not a part of this process. I can't see a comprehensive ceasefire in the horizon," he added.