(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Brig. Gen. (res.) Udi Dekel and Carmit Valensi - Israel views Iran's consolidation in Syria with concern. In southern Syria, Iran might deploy Hizbullah and other Shiite proxies at a distance that allows quick access to the Golan Heights. This would generate another front in a potential conflict between Hizbullah and Israel, in addition to the Lebanese front. Moreover, Syria could be turned into an Iranian logistical center, with infrastructures for the manufacturing of weapons, providing logistical support, and arming Iranian proxies throughout the region. Iran may also establish a Syrian Hizbullah by incorporating local Alawite units with Iraqi and Afghani Shiite militias, which would then seek to "liberate" the Golan Heights through guerilla activities along the border. Udi Dekel, managing director of INSS, was head of the Strategic Planning Division of the IDF General Staff. Dr. Carmit Valensi is a research fellow at INSS.
2017-08-24 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive