|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PE185.html
Israel's Interests and Options in Syria
(RAND Corporation) Larry Hanauer - Israel's main objectives in the Syrian conflict are to minimize Iranian and Russian influence in Syria, block the transfer of advanced weapons to Hizbullah, prevent Syria from posing a credible military threat to Israel or permitting Iran to do so, undermine the legitimacy of Syria's claims to the Golan Heights, and prevent Sunni militants from establishing infrastructure or operational bases along Israel's border. Israel can block Iranian assistance to Hizbullah by bombing weapon caches and shipments of materiel destined for the group. However, it has little ability to affect events on the ground. It has focused political, military, and clandestine efforts on keeping Iranian, Hizbullah, and Sunni extremist fighters away from areas close to the Israeli border.