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.
Gosh – the Russians had better listen. Israel does not chest thump like the rest of the world.
then what is russia doing is syria.. and what is iran doing in syria too
Continue to believe in that fairytale
Hahahaha. Nwanna rapu that story. The much the USA can do is give them aids and weapons.
Hahahaha. Organized religion and fairytales are like bread and butter
Yes Russia ran away from Afghanistan, But USA ran away much faster in Vietnam than Russia in Afghanistan.
Priceless Pinnacle Hahahaha. At equal footing with USA, Russia and China? Pls stop smoking Oshogbo weed biko.
Kayode Obayomi Israel is not a NATO member for your info
Okechukwu Anaele nwannem nwoke are you not a beloved of your Lord?
Tandin Shunya Wangdi exactlybrotherman. Biblical fairytale
Stanley Bett it was a fighter bomber, the SU 34, and not a fighter jet. Besides, it was unescorted by fighter jets at the time.
Frank Edema is Israel the only neighbour Syria has?
Kamran Lashari real dreaming ooooo. Over rated Israel. It can only intimidate Arab neighbours and not a Super power like Russia
Fairytale
The Arabs or Russian no matters how many of the foes they will be crushed by the hands of God
That s-300 must really be something to make Israel issue such a threat.
All this is playing to Putin’s hand.more sales to Syria and the rest of the middle east
Do you think Russia is Iran or Arab countries? Tiny Israel may be vaporised from their tiny enclave.
Will Sum, One should understand the fact that Russia is thousands of times bigger the Isreal, and the only country most feared by the US after the II World war till the present times. While Isreal have right to defend itself, it should be very careful to make such a blatant threat against the biggest and a very powerful country! The biblical David and Goliath story will certainly not work for Isreal this time around.
Obimba Chukwuma Samson thanks. I’m just objective. I base my conclusion from the facts of history. Besides, I perceive Israel not just as a country with people confined within its political boundaries, but as a unique race all over the world.
Noo, you don’t go looking for trouble with Israel and when she hits you, you say she is arrogant. Get the proper meaning of arrogance, please.