Why did Israel Bomb Damascus?
Israel’s bombing of Damascus has long been a topic of speculation and debate, with various explanations and motivations attributed to the attack. As a global power player, understanding the reasons behind this bombing can provide valuable insights into the complex Middle East geopolitics. In this article, we will explore the historical context, background events, and political tensions leading to the bombing of Damascus by Israel.
A Historical Context: Syria-Iran Relations
Syria-Iran relations began in the 1970s
Syria and Iran, under the leadership of President Hafez al-Assad and the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini respectively, began a friendship rooted in anti-imperialist and anti-Western ideologies. In the early 2000s, the relationship grew closer with the formation of a Syrian-Iranian Axis
This axis solidified Iran’s support for President Bashar al-Assad during the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Syria and maintained a close strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.
Israeli Condemnation and Fears of Iranian Presence in Syria
In the face of growing Iranian influence, Israel began to raise concerns and condemn Iran’s increased involvement in Syria
On numerous occasions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vocally criticized the presence of Iranian forces and assets in Syria, highlighting the danger this poses to Israeli security. Netanyahu argued that Iran was creating a direct threat to Israel and called for its complete removal
Israeli concerns centred on:
- Iran’s expansion of influence and military presence in the region
- Increased weapons delivery to Hezbollah in Lebanon, a close Iranian proxy
- Possibility of missile attacks against Israeli soil from Syria
2011-2019: Border Incidents and Rising Tensions
- From 2011, tensions escalated between Israel and Syria, with a number of border incidents
- Israel responded with air raids targeting Syrian military infrastructure
- 2014: Hezbollah launched rocket attacks from southern Lebanon against Israel
These incidents fueled growing suspicions between the parties and strengthened concerns about Iran’s ambitions.
March 2023: Israel-Bashar al-Assad Clash Escalates
- After a reported Syrian Army infiltration into the demilitarized zone near Israel’s Golan Heights border,
Israel conducted an aerial strike, allegedly destroying military targets, and downed a Russian Su-22 fighter jet allegedly mistaken as Syrian military aircraft
Syrian opposition groups accused Israel of backing the downed Su-22 jet to impede Russian-backed gains, whereas Israel denied direct involvement and claimed responsibility only for downing the Su-22.
Bombing Damascus: Why Now?
Given the prevailing backdrop of growing regional instability and heightened tensions, there can be no surprise regarding Israel’s desire to attack Damascus in mid-April 2023, following an increased display of military muscle-flexing across the Syrian-Lebanon border**
- Preventing the emergence of a Syrian-Iranian-Hezbollah corridor:
• Fear of Iranian, Hezzbollah’s further empowerment and strategic partnerships. - Thwarting Iranian supply chain
• Block Iran from delivering arms, explosives and other equipment to their forces in Lebanon
• Pivot and eliminate the ability for this potential threat
4.3,8th,2a.
| Objective | Motivation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prevent emerging corridors | Franse Prevent emergence Syrian-Lebanon- Hebron corridor and thus blocking direct assistance to Lebanon by Lebanon |
| 2 | Block Supply line | Blocking access to equipment Iran through |
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