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Israel Hits Syria, Sends Message to Iran
(Al-Monitor) Ben Caspit - For Israel, three types of Syrian weapons - in addition to chemical weapons - constitute game changers, the types Israel will never allow to flow to Hizbullah, according to experienced military sources: High-precision Yakhont missiles that are able to strike ships or marine platforms from a distance of 300 km. or farther. These missiles would put Israel's gas platforms within strike range. SA17 anti-aircraft missiles, which would limit the Israeli air force's freedom of operation. Missiles such as the Fateh-110 which were hit in Damascus in recent days. They are considered game changers because they are far more precise than the Scuds, and because they are propelled by solid fuel and launched from mobile launchers. Because of solid fuel, the Fateh-110 can be launched within a matter of minutes from a relatively small vehicle, and strike its target with lethal precision, with a warhead weighing half a ton. If Hizbullah's Nasrallah gets such missiles, he would threaten Israeli airbases and other strategic facilities. It is believed that the operation was coordinated with the U.S. through a very long series of discussions, and was also raised during President Obama's visit to Jerusalem in March. According to sources privy to these talks, the Americans gave approval and suggested that Israel only do so when it is clear that the consignments were about to make their way to their destinations. Israel has once again put on a show of military, and especially intelligence, strength. The missiles that exploded in Damascus were underground, protected by thick layers of concrete. There are very few air forces in the world that know how to crack such caches, and with such ease. Tehran is looking at bombed out and burning Damascus and understanding that the U.S. is supportive and the world is silent. If we think about it, we are actually right in the middle of the dress rehearsal.