JERUSALEM. Sept 18 (Interfax) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expressed sorrow over the fact that the Russian Ilyushin Il-20 military aircraft was downed by the Syrian air defense systems over the Mediterranean Sea, but noted that the Israeli side holds the Syrian government forces responsible for this incident.
"Israel expresses sorrow for the death of the aircrew members of the Russian plane that was downed tonight due to Syrian anti-aircraft fire," the Israel Defense Forces said.
"Israel holds the Assad regime, whose military shot down the Russian plane, fully responsible for this incident. Israel also holds Iran and the Hezbollah terror organization accountable for this unfortunate incident," the IDF said.