JERUSALEM, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Saturday lauded the joint airstrikes on Syria by the U.S., Britain and France as an "appropriate" response to the alleged gas attack in Syria.

"Last year, (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump made it clear that using chemical weapons crossed a red line. Tonight, led by the Americans, the U.S., France and Britain acted appropriately," an Israeli official said on condition of anonymity in a statement issued in Jerusalem.

The statement also accused Syria of providing military bases for Iran, putting its "territory, forces and leadership in danger." Iran has been regarded by Israel as its arch enemy in the region.

The U.S., France and Britain launched airstrikes against Syria's capital Damascus before daybreak on Saturday, with loud explosions heard and red dots seen flying into the sky, according to Syrian state TV and Xinhua reporters in Damascus.

The airstrikes were launched under the pretext to punish Syrian government for the alleged use of chemical weapons in an attack on the rebel-held town of Douma near Damascus. Syrian government has strongly denied the allegations.

Saturday is Israel's Sabbath, or the Jewish day of rest, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu generally refrains from making official statements in his name.