Jerusalem, Feb 10 (IANS): An Israeli F-16 fighter jet crashed on Saturday in northern Israel after coming under "massive anti-aircraft fire" from Syrian forces, according to the Israeli Army.

The incident was reported after the Israeli combat helicopter came in contact with an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle that had been launched from Syria, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

The two pilots parachuted to safety before the crash. It is believed to be the first time Israel has lost a jet in the Syrian conflict, BBC reported.

Israeli forces also launched attacks on what they described as Iranian targets in Syria, the IDF said.

"Iran is responsible for this severe violation of Israeli sovereignty," Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the IDF, said in a tweet.

"The IDF is striking numerous (12) Syrian and Iranian military targets in Syria, in response to Iranian aggression. More to follow," he said in another tweet.