IDF spokesperson: IDF hit dozens of Iranian sites in Syria.
* During Israeli strikes, dozens of Syrian anti-aircraft missiles were fired at the jets.
* In response, IDF destroyed 5 anti-aircraft batteries of the Syrian Army.
* None of the 20 rockets fired by Iran hit Israel.
* During Israeli strikes, dozens of Syrian anti-aircraft missiles were fired at the jets.
* In response, IDF destroyed 5 anti-aircraft batteries of the Syrian Army.
* None of the 20 rockets fired by Iran hit Israel.
More IDF spokesperson: The rocket launcher that fired at the Golan was destroyed by Israeli strikes tonight. IDF also destroyed SA-5, SA-22, SA-17 and SA-2 batteries of the Syrian Army that fired at Israeli jets.
(via @alonbd of Israeli Channel 10)
(via @alonbd of Israeli Channel 10)
IDF illustration showing 35 sites Israel bombed in Syria tonight including Iranian targets & Syrian regime anti-aircraft batteries. "We warned the Syrian Army to stay out of this," IDF Spokesman said. bit.ly/2wrthwZ 
According to IDF spokesperson, out of the 20 rockets fired at Israel, 4 were intercepted by Iron Dome while the rest exploded on Syrian territory. At least some of the landings on Syrian territory are true, confirmed to me by Quneitra sources.
Israeli Channel 10: Over 50 sites were bombed tonight in Syria in one of the largest Israeli Air Force operations in recent years (map shows 35, could be some sites are missing)
Israeli officials are clearly trying to signal to Iran that they are serious about preventing Iran from gaining a permanent military foothold in Syria. At the same time, trying to re-establish deterrence vis-a-vis the Syrian Army, to allow Israel freedom of operation.
Moves that Israel sees as defensive (against Iranian expansionism), Iran and Syria perceive as aggressive and a violation of their sovereignty (in Assad's case) & freedom to operate from the territory of a friendly regime to counter Israel (Iran).
Israeli leaders believe that the only way to keep Israel safe is to respond disproportionately to create deterrence. In response to 20 rockets fired by Iran that didn't cause casualties, IDF claims to have hit 50+ sites across Syria.
Israel bombed dozens of sites & then says it doesn't want an escalation. In reality it wants to be able to escalate to create deterrence & for its opponents to remain quiet.
