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Source: http://www.inss.org.il/publication/israels-engagement-syria-causes-significance/
Israel's Engagement in Syria
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Carmit Valensi, Zvi Magen, and Sima Shine - Israel has expressed its operational determination to prevent Iran's entrenchment in Syria. After Iran sent an advanced drone with a low radar signature via Jordan into Israel, Israel's intelligence and operational capabilities made it possible to destroy the drone and attack the site from where it was launched, deep inside Syria. The Israeli response was extensive, and included attacks on Syrian and Iranian targets, causing widespread damage to Syrian air defenses. The scope of the Israeli response reflects prior preparation for the possible need to carry out such an operation with little advance warning, and perhaps Israel was waiting for an opportunity to launch such a response. The Israeli response sends a strong message about its willingness to maintain its red lines. Dr. Carmit Valensi is a research fellow at INSS. Lt.-Col. Zvi Magen, who served in IDF Military Intelligence, is a former Israeli ambassador to Russia and Ukraine. Sima Shine was head of the Mossad's research division.