Russia ‘sends a message’ with first missile attack on Israeli jets in Syrian war, expert says

2022 May 20

Event

A Russian counter-attack on Israeli forces in Syria has raised fears of a potential escalation to the conflict, with experts fearing a similar provocation “within days”.

This week, Russia launched missiles on Israeli jets that had flown over Syria and struck targets north of Damascus. Several casualties were reported and the Syrian army returned fire from anti-aircraft systems. Israel has launched hundreds of similar missions since the beginning of Syria’s civil war in 2011, often targeting adversaries Iran and Hezbollah which have established a presence in the country and facing down Syrian air defences. However on this occasion, the retreating Israeli pilots were targeted by missiles from a Russian S-300 anti-aircraft system under the operational control of Russian officers, Israel’s Channel 13 reported. None of the missiles hit their targets.

Comment

The incident this week marks the first known occasion that an Israeli strike has met with a response from Russian anti-aircraft systems – raising fears Russia could assert a more aggressive stance in Syria.

“It’s quite obvious that the Russians don’t like the fact that we are operating in Syria,”

Alon Ben-David Israeli television and print journalist

said Channel 13 Defence Correspondent Alon Ben-David, who broke the story.

“My interpretation is that the Russians are saying ‘you are walking on thin ice. Be careful, we are running out of patience.’”

Russia is not happy with Israel and the relationship has deteriorated suddenly since the Ukraine conflict began. Israel has voiced support for Ukraine and made critical comments about Russia. Russia is lashing out with warning shots across Israel’s boughs.

Conflict between Israel and Syria is coming when the initial inner ring war of Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 begins.

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.  Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:1-2)

Andy Walton

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