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Intelligence Survey: Assad Losing Ground in Syria; Egypt Pushing Jihadists Out of Sinai

(Israel Defense) Amir Rapaport - Contrary to the impression one may get from the world press, Assad continues to lose ground in Syria and must call in Hizbullah reinforcements from Lebanon to assist him in the primary battles. The Israeli defense community has already rejected the American suggestion to settle for Israeli presence at the border crossings in the Jordan Valley and rely on satellite and ground surveillance technology that would replace their physical presence on the ground. Israel's previous defense minister, Ehud Barak, was willing to "consider" such ideas. The present minister, Moshe Yaalon, has bluntly declined. The military regime in Egypt is gaining momentum in its war against the Jihad organizations. The Jihadists are being pushed out of Sinai and are shedding blood in their confrontations with the Egyptian Army. Egyptian forces have almost completely "dried out" the underground tunnels that enabled free movement of terrorists and arms between Sinai and Gaza. Israel still regards Iran as the no. 1 danger. According to the Israeli perception, Iran is fooling the entire world and will continue to strive for the Bomb clandestinely. Has the option of an Israeli attack against Iran's nuclear facilities been taken off the table? Absolutely not. Of all things, it is the prevailing sense in Jerusalem that the U.S. is willing to reach an agreement with the Iranians at almost any price which could push Israel to stage an attack on its own.
2014-02-24 00:00:00
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