(National Interest) Arman Mahmoudian - Since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas, Israel has engaged in exchanges with Hizbullah and has intensified its attacks in Syria against Iran. The rationale behind Israel's recent attacks in Syria is understandable. Shortly after the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, many sources indicated that Iran was planning to enhance Syria's aerial defense by deploying the Khordad-15, an advanced system resembling the U.S. Patriot system, that can engage up to six fighter-jets simultaneously from a range of 120 km. At the same time, reports suggested that Russia was planning to deliver the Pantsir, a point-defense system, to Hizbullah. Combining the Khordad-15 and Pantsir defense systems could pose severe challenges to Israel's Air Force. Therefore, there is a significant chance that Israel's attacks are meant to prevent the buildup of Iranian military installations in Syria, as Russia has been rapidly redeploying its troops from Syria to Ukraine, creating a vacuum that Iran and Hizbullah have been trying to fill by deploying additional troops. Moreover, according to Israeli officials, since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Iran has increased its efforts to deliver air defense systems, such as Shahed-101 and Shahed-136 drones, and mini-Ababil missiles, to Hizbullah. By increasing military pressure on Iran in Syria, the IDF might aim to disrupt these arms deliveries to Hizbullah.
2024-04-11 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive