Tensions are rising along the heavily-defended border between Israel and Syria.

The Jewish state reportedly launched an air strike inside Syrian territory on Sunday, its second in three days.

The target: missiles destined for the militant group Hezbollah - a long-time enemy of Israel.

During a public appearance on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not mention the attacks.

But he did say he was determined to ensure Israel's safety.

The attack comes with Syria embroiled in a brutal civil war.

While the air strikes were aimed at Hezbollah, a former senior Israeli diplomat said Israel was not taking sides in Syria.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTRY AND PRESENT POLITICAL ANALYST, ALON LIEL, SAYING:

"If somebody in the region, especially in Syria or Lebanon will understand these attacks as direct intervention in the civil war, it might be a real problem for Israel.

Syria and its ally