Russia’s Withdrawal From Syria Is an Opportunity for Israel

Russia’s Withdrawal From Syria Is an Opportunity for Israel

NEWSWEEK-May 20th 2022

JACOB NAGEL AND JONATHAN SCHANZER

FOUNDATION FOR DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACIES

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz revealed details about the largest Israel Defense Force (IDF) drill in recent years last week. The drill included simulated airstrikes on Iran and a simulated multi-front war against Iran-backed proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. The message was unmistakable: The Israeli government is weighing its military options, and the military is readying for whatever the government decides. Iran should be worried.

Right now, however, all eyes are on Syria. The war in Ukraine has prompted Russia to redeploy some forces and hardware out of Syria, where it has been buttressing the embattled regime of Bashar al-Assad. As the Russians depart, the Iranians want to fill the void.

The Israelis are determined not to let that happen. The Syrian-Israeli border, as well as key bases and facilities in Syria, have witnessed significant clashes in recent years. The Iranian regime continues to build its capabilities to target Israel from this war-torn territory. And Israel continues to erode those capabilities.

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in 2018, when an armed Iranian drone crossed into Israel. The drone was dispatched from T4 Air Base in Syria. The IDF shot it down, then launched one of the largest military operations in Syria in decades.

Such clashes, along with other incidents across the Middle East and even in Iranian territory, are part of the new reality in the region. Israel calls it the “war between wars.” It’s a campaign to damage Iran’s capabilities in Lebanon, Syria, and anywhere the Islamic Republic is preparing to wage war against Israel.

Once upon a time, Israel only targeted Tehran’s proxies when they attacked first. But Israel’s leaders understand this is no longer viable, particularly in Syria, where Iran appears determined to establish offensive capabilities on Israel’s doorstep.