JERUSALEM, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday his nation was calm and prepared for whatever might happen next in neighboring Syria.
Netanyahu said at the opening of Sunday's Cabinet meeting that, "Israel is calm and confident in itself" and repeated his previous warnings that its enemies should think twice about trying to exploit the current round of upheaval in the Middle East.
"Israel's citizens also need to know that our enemies have very good reasons not to test our strength -- and they know why," Netanyahu said.
Sunday's remarks came on the heels of President Obama's announcement the day before that he would consult with Congress in the coming days about a U.S. military response to the use of poison gas by Syrian forces in the suburbs of Damascus.
Netanyahu did not mention Syria by name in his remarks, and the Israeli government has been noticeably mum about what they feel Obama should do, the Jerusalem Post said.
Tourism Minister Uzi Landau told Ynetnews as he entered Sunday's meeting the next move was up to the United States. "I trust Israel's might and capabilities and God Almighty," he said. "The American president has spoken and we must resume our daily routine."
