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Experts: Israeli Intervention in Syria's Civil War Unlikely

(Jerusalem Post) Ariel Ben Solomon - The New York Times reported Wednesday that Israel was contemplating intervening in Syria's civil war with the possible creation of a buffer zone inside Syria or by supporting a proxy force such as the Druse. However, several Israeli experts and former government officials said any Israeli intervention is both unlikely and unwise. Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Itamar Rabinovich, vice chairman of the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, emphasized that the situation in Syria is not an Israeli concern but an international one, and that "we must not leap to the head of the line." Former Israeli ambassador to the UN Dore Gold, president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, does not see Israel getting involved by proxy. "It is not Israel's approach to use proxies," he said. Regarding the buffer zone idea, he said that Israel has had bad experiences with buffer zones, noting that Israeli military leaders also dislike the idea. The main issue, said Gold, is how Tehran has put Iranian boots on the ground to fight Sunni Arabs in Syria and is sending in Shi'ite militias from Lebanon and Iraq to assist. "The Iranians made a decision that they cannot lose Syria," said Gold. Thus, "it is not Israel" that seeks to intervene in Syria, but Iran. He noted that Maj.-Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the Revolutionary Guards commander of Iran's elite Qods Force, which operates overseas, is in charge of Iran's forces fighting in Syria.
2013-05-24 00:00:00
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