Israel’s Fear Over Syrian Chemical Weapons
- January 28th, 2013
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Israel is growing concerned about the transfer of Syria’s chemical weapons. It worries that the weapons could either fall into the hands of Hezbollah or extremist opposition groups that may be al Qaeda extremists. Israel will use military force in order to secure Syria’s chemical weapon. The article below points out that Iran threatened to attack any country that intervenes in Syria, thereby creating the possibility of an Iranian-Israeli conflict.
The regime would not willingly transfer the weapons to al-Qaeda affiliates, as they are part of the opposition. Their obtainment of the weapons would only occur in the wake of the regime’s collapse, which could come soon since Assad’s own mother recently defected to the UAE. A transfer to Hezbollah could occur, as could a transfer to Iran. The immediate threat to Israel from these two possibilities has to do with its borders. Hezbollah operates from Southern Lebanon, which borders Israel. They fear that chemical weapons could be used on them from the border. A similar threat arises from al-Qaeda affiliates. Since the Syrian Civil War began, Assad moved the Syrian military away from the Golan Heights. As a result, many of the more extreme opposition groups have moved into the area. Israel worries that the weapons could be used against them at the Golan. These fears are valid and it is important that the weapons be secure.
At the same time, despite its talk, it is unlikely that Iran will enter into a conflict with Israel if it secures the weapons militarily. Iran has not fought an offensive war and prides itself on that fact. It is the victim and underdog in wars according to its views, and that’s how it rallies its nation during times of war. If they were to engage Israel on Syria’s behalf it is unclear how it would play out on its domestic front. It is unlikely that it is a threat it would follow through on.
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=301317
-Laila