There is no shortage of reasons to be concerned about the entangled drama unfolding in Syria, as Russia maneuvers on a shifting landscape that could see Israel and Iran collide in a direct confrontation.
Commentary in The Wall Street Journal on Monday urged caution on the part of Moscow, arguing that Russia has already nudged the regional arch-enemies closer to war. A recent Israeli strike on a base in Syria that killed seven Iranians, including four Quds Force officers, might have been swept under the rug by Iran, according to the author Dennis Ross, but Russia’s decision to call out Israel for the strike has forced Iran’s hand, increasing the likelihood of retaliation to save face.
Against this backdrop, Israel is warning Russia that air defense systems to be delivered to Syria will be in the Israeli air force’s crosshairs. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed reports this week that it planned to send Russian S-300 defense systems to the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, prompting a response from Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
“One thing should be clear – if someone fires on our planes, we will destroy them,” Lieberman was reported by Haaretz as saying. “What’s important to us is that the weapons defense systems that the Russians transfer to Syria are not used against us. If they are used against us, we will act against them.”
Russian officials, cited in the initial Russian news report on S-300 delivery, cautioned against targeting the equipment. If Israel attacks them, they said, it will suffer “catastrophic consequences.”
Lieberman acknowledged that the S-300 systems were already being used in Syria, but only in defense of Russian assets. He made the distinction that they had not yet been “employed against Israel,” as paraphrased by Haaretz.
Israel never uses Syrian airspace to strike Syrian weapons intended for Israel, and that’s the more reason why nobody should mess with Israel
Very true…but it would be very stupid of them(Isreal) to unilaterally to go on direct confrontation as anything of such Will result to the total annilation of the Jews.
Note, Russia is not Iran or any country in the middle east therefore any threat to them by the isrealis will result to grave. consequences.
Israel should be careful not to act against God’s will, in the circumstance. They should allow the Palestinian autonomy as a sovereign state or adopt the two states solution.
Leave Syria alone and stop all forms of aggression against her neighbors. God’s protection for Israel is conditional upon their love for humanity. Otherwise, they are made to suffer again for a period.
Iyke Ikechukwu You are right. If Israel is a coward they are not around now.
D day is coming…..
All have been written.!
Haha dream on, Mr "expert".
Syeikh Ashab , that is not true. There are things about Israel many people do not know. Israel is virtually at equal footing with America, Russia & China when it comes to war. But then, there is something special about Israel.
Even That BUSTARD HILTER Said the same!!!!
Yet Israel exists on planet Earth. Six Arab countries declared war on Israel a shot time after her independence but could not win her. Are there people who speak Latin today? No one should take Israel for granted. Israelis are too courageois.
‘We are ready to face the world’, said prime minister of Israel sometime ago. No single nation, not even Russia can win Israel in war.
Courtley Tsoro Phasha then Russia will know that Israel is Israel that won many wars and conquered many nations…
Will Sum. This is factual comment you have made here not the numerous sentimental comments many are posting here.
S Nouh Yousif. We are talking serious issues here not this sentimental talk of yours.
Very correct
The truth is that Israel will destroy the S-300 if it is ever used against any Israeli plane. Mark my words. Russia knows this and will never allow it to be used against Israeli planes. Any attack on Israel is like an attack on the US. Russia will be foolish to start a war with the US and Israel just because of a God forsaken Assad and the liability that Syria has become.
S Nouh Yousuf, you maybe an ignorant arabic youth who does not have knowledge of history. As you are saying the exact opposite of who they are. What happened during the 6 days war with all the Arabic nations encircling Israel ending however in their swift defeat!? If the U.S support them, the former USSR, now Russia are also contantly behind the Arabic countries at conflict with Israel.
This could turn ugly by spiraling outta control real quick if cooler heads and reasoning don’t prevail.
Israel es muy pequeño para aguantar golpes, es decir bombardeos. Israel todavía no ha enfrentado un ataque masivo aéreo, porque se quiere evitar un conflicto mundial.
go to hell isreal
The Israelis ain’t stupid. They know their own capability just as much as they know the capabilities of their enemies. If not, they would have been wiped out long ago from that place where they’re being surrounded by their enemies!