After several airstrikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets inside Syria, including one that was launched against an Iranian-Syrian industrial complex near Homs, Israel is threatening to intervene directly in the six-year-old Syrian war.
The Israel Defense Force said Friday they will defend the Druze village of Hader, located on the Syrian Golan Heights opposite the Druze town of Magdal Shams, which is located on the slopes of Mount Hermon inside northeastern Israel.
The proclamation came after an Islamic suicide bomber murdered nine Druze inhabitants in Hader, which ignited a battle between Jabhat Fate al-Sham, the former Al Qaeda branch in Syria, as well as the Iranian-backed pro-Syrian government coalition.
In a series of tweets, IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee stated the IDF is ready to “support the village residents and work to prevent any harm or the occupation of the village, out of a commitment to the Druze population.”
Adraee further noted that IDF commanders were assessing the escalating situation along Israel’s northeastern border, which was also the scene of a cross-border shooting attack on Friday.
Analyst Comment: Direct military intervention by Israel in Syria would certainly provoke the Iranian-backed regime of Bashar al-Assad, though it isn’t likely there is much he can do about it. The bigger threat regarding an escalation of violence would come from Iranian-backed militias and other groups, including Hezbollah — which is already preparing to do battle with Israel in Lebanon.
Why it’s on our radar: Information in this article helps satisfy Priority Intelligence Requirement 4: What are the latest indicators of a new Middle East war? Each week in our Strategic Intelligence Summary, we gauge the likelihood and scope of conflict with Russia, China, North Korea, and in the Middle East, and track the latest developments in each region. Subscribe here to receive our premium intelligence products prepared by Intelligence and special operations veterans.
