Last night’s clash in the Golan was significant on a number of levels. First, this appears to be the first incursion by Iran, via drone, of Israeli airspace. A major escalation.
The downing of an Israeli fighter jet by Syrian anti-aircraft weaponry also marks a milestone. The Syrians, with Iranian help, now appear to be better prepared compared to past skirmishes.
The incident must be seen as part of a string of events where the Iran axis has tested Israel’s red lines by either violating Israeli airspace, creating new assets in Syria, or sending “game changing” weapons to Hezbollah. Tensions are reaching a boiling point.
Israel hammered the Iranian drone base in response to last night. But we may be nearing the moment where Israel determines that it must clear out the many targets it has identified in Syria and Lebanon. Possible larger operation forthcoming...
And should this conflict erupt, if will be a nasty one. Hezbollah rockets are estimated at 150k+. Thousands of Shiite militias stand ready to fight with Iran. And opening a new front in Syria is loaded with possible unintended consequences.
