Netanyahu sends condolences to Iranians over deadly plane crash
‘We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them,’ says PM at Munich Security Conference
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday offered his condolences over the 66 people killed in an Iranian plane crash, just moments after he launched a blistering attack on Tehran’s government.
“I take this opportunity to send condolences to the families of the 66 civilians that lost their lives in the plane accident today,” Netanyahu said at the Munich Security Conference.
“We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them,” he added.
Earlier in his fiery speech, the premier warned Tehran not to “test Israel’s resolve” as tensions between the arch enemies have reached fresh heights over Iran’s activities in Syria.
Israel fears that Iran, which is supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, is seeking to entrench itself militarily next door.
Officials said an Iranian passenger plane on a domestic flight crashed into the country’s Zagros mountains Sunday, killing all 66 people on board.
An Aseman Airlines ATR-72, a twin-engine turboprop used for short-distance regional flying, went down near its destination of the southern Iranian city of Yasuj, some 780 kilometers (485 miles) south of the Iranian capital, Tehran.
Aseman Airlines spokesman Mohammad Taghi Tabatabai told state TV that all on Flight No. 3704 were killed. The plane carried 60 passengers, including one child, and six crew members.
Due to foggy conditions, rescue helicopters couldn’t reach the crash site in the Zagros Mountains, state TV reported. Tabatabai said the plane crashed into Mount Dena, which is about 440-meters (1,440-feet) tall.
The Iranian Red Crescent said it has deployed to the area. Authorities said they would be investigating. Locals described hearing the crash, though no one had found the crash site yet, according to state TV.
The Times of Israel Community.