The Situation in Syria:
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) believes that, after weakening Iran-backed groups in the Middle East and with the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, there is now an opportunity to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities
This is because the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has destroyed over 85 percent of the Assad regime’s anti-aircraft systems, thus ensuring complete dominance of Syrian airspace.
What This Means:
Air Superiority: With most of Syria’s anti-aircraft defenses destroyed, Israeli planes and drones can fly without much threat.
This is important because it allows the IAF to fly safely over Syria, which could facilitate airstrikes on Iran.
Preparing for Strikes on Iran: The IAF is preparing for possible strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, due to concerns that an isolated Iran and weakened Hezbollah could accelerate its nuclear program.
Iran’s Position:
– Nuclear Weapons Denial: Iran has always denied wanting nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
However, U.S.
intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest that Iran had a military nuclear program until 2003 and continued to develop beyond what is necessary for civilian uses.
– Relations with Israel: Iran is viewed as an enemy by Israel, especially because it has declared its desire for Israel’s destruction.
In the past year, Iran has launched two missile attacks on Israel, to which Israel has responded by striking Iranian military facilities.
Strikes in Syria
– Bombing Campaign: Israel conducted a major bombing campaign in Syria, destroying not only air defenses but also air bases, weapons depots, weapons factories, and chemical weapons sites.
This was done to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of Hezbollah or other hostile groups.
– Consequences: The IAF used 1,800 munitions in these strikes, destroying 107 air defense components and 47 radars.
This included 80 percent of the SA-22 short- and medium-range defense systems and 90 percent of the SA-17 systems, both Russian.
Arms Control:
– Deterring Hezbollah: With the Assad regime fallen, Israel continues to operate in Syria to prevent advanced weapons from reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The IAF has bombed all but one of the border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, which is kept under constant surveillance.
– Impact on the Iranian Axis: Israel believes it has significantly weakened the weapons manufacturing capabilities of the Iran-led axis in Lebanon, Syria and Iran itself.
In short, the current situation gives Israel a strategic advantage in the air, potentially allowing for safer strikes against Iran and better control over the movement of weapons in the region.
Published in 12/13/2024 09h24
Text adapted by AI (ChatGPT/Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption. Information about DOI, author and institution can be found in the body of the article.
Reference article:
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