An incident in Syria that Russian President Vladimir Putin has described as a “tragic chain of circumstances” has put Israel in a tight spot, leading to questions about whether Moscow will continue to give the country free reign over parts of Syria’s airspace.
“Israeli fighter jets attacked Iranian-related targets in Syria. Syrian aerial defenses tried to thwart the Israeli attack and accidentally hit a Russian Air Force plane with a Russian-made missile,” Amos Harel wrote for Haaretz in summary of the Israeli account of events, which, he noted, sounds like the start of a bad joke.
But the consequences of the mishap, which led to deaths of Russian crewmembers of the downed Il-20 plane, could be serious for Israel and might jeopardize its strategic freedom in Syria, Harel argues.
For starters, the incident is an embarrassment for Moscow, which only begrudgingly admitted that Russian-made weapons fired by allies downed the aircraft, leading to the deaths of its crew.
But the Russian defense ministry still blamed Israel for using the Russian Il-20 aircraft “as cover.” That claim is contradicted by the Israeli account that its jets were back in home airspace by the time of the incident.
Russian Defence Ministry: Russian Ilyushin Il-20 plane was downed by Syrian Air Defence missile after Israeli F-16 pilots used it as cover thus setting it up to be targeted by AA defence. Such actions can only be classified as a deliberate provocation https://t.co/qBcqPz2en6 pic.twitter.com/21mTTNXmpd
— Russia in RSA 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) September 18, 2018
Putin later toned down the Russian response, suggesting the deaths were the result of a “tragic chain of circumstances.”
What the Russian president’s words mean in practical terms remains to be seen. Harel speculates that Russia might demand earlier warnings before strikes, enforce a no-fly-zone near certain bases, or supply more advanced air defense systems to Assad’s army.
If Moscow wants to demonstrate a hard line this time around, Harel argues, it is capable of disrupting Israel’s freedom of action over Syria.
Dead news. Russia supplied Antiaircraft Raf already endangering Israel and allies. Russia ought responsible for any acts
Dead news. Russia supplied Antiaircraft Raf already endangering Israel and allies. Russia ought responsible for any acts
Israel was on defensive mission which Putin later impliedly admitted. Why blame Israel.
Israel was on defensive mission which Putin later impliedly admitted. Why blame Israel.
Ajmal Hussain you are one sick piece of shit
Ajmal Hussain you are one sick piece of shit
Shridhar Bhagwat yes islam has reigned over many countries, looted its treasures and forcefully converted people to believe in islam, these poor people dont even know that the religion of which they are so proud, was forcefully implemented on their ancestors who werent even of that religion
Shridhar Bhagwat yes islam has reigned over many countries, looted its treasures and forcefully converted people to believe in islam, these poor people dont even know that the religion of which they are so proud, was forcefully implemented on their ancestors who werent even of that religion
And see how easily they can praise sm one for doing such filthy things like holocaust just because our religion is different and we have a bit of conflict going on currently
And see how easily they can praise sm one for doing such filthy things like holocaust just because our religion is different and we have a bit of conflict going on currently
Miguel Nogueira any ways they hate all of us its not only muslim vs jews
Its muslim vs hindus in hindustan(india)
Its muslim vs christainity
Its muslim vs every other religious because on the surface they say islam is quite peaceful but they count us(other religions) as sinner for not accepting allah as god, they have conflict all over the world with many religions, and seeing the history of them its full of forceful conversion because they believe their god is superior and no one sud oppose them
Miguel Nogueira any ways they hate all of us its not only muslim vs jews
Its muslim vs hindus in hindustan(india)
Its muslim vs christainity
Its muslim vs every other religious because on the surface they say islam is quite peaceful but they count us(other religions) as sinner for not accepting allah as god, they have conflict all over the world with many religions, and seeing the history of them its full of forceful conversion because they believe their god is superior and no one sud oppose them
Russia and Israel must not go for a dispute this can be a mishap or planned one because iran try to make hay while sunshine islam countries always must keep under restrictions islam always hate other believers
Russia and Israel must not go for a dispute this can be a mishap or planned one because iran try to make hay while sunshine islam countries always must keep under restrictions islam always hate other believers
Peter Paul Lo amen brother. Israel has every right to defend itself ????????????????????????
Peter Paul Lo amen brother. Israel has every right to defend itself ????????????????????????
Perry, do you mean to say isreal should just seat back and watch as the enemies advance to its border?.
Perry, do you mean to say isreal should just seat back and watch as the enemies advance to its border?.
Ajmal Hussain isreal not the trouble in the middle East its sick pieces of shit like you that is the problem .
Ajmal Hussain isreal not the trouble in the middle East its sick pieces of shit like you that is the problem .