Skip to main content

Israel Not Able to Neutralize Syria’s Chemical Weapons

Israel is worried that Syria’s chemical weapons could fall into the wrong hands, writes Alon Ben David.
Women listen to an explanation at a gas mask distribution centre in a post office in Or Yehuda, near Tel Aviv March 3, 2010. Israel began a nationwide drive to distribute gas 
masks to its citizens on Sunday. The timing is not related to 
any emergency situation and the decision on distribution was made a year ago, a spokeswoman for the Israeli Postal Authority, responsible for the drive, said. REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY)

Israel is becoming increasingly concerned of the threat that Syria's vast arsenal of chemical weapons might fall into the hands of Jihadist organizations. Admitting it does not have the capabilities to prevent such a scenario, Israel looks to the international community, hoping it will act to seize Syria's non-conventional weapons after President Bashar al-Assad's fall. This is partly due to the fact that almost half of the population of Israel lacks protective gear against non-conventional weaponry.

Although it is one of the largest stockpiles of chemical weapons in the world, estimated at several hundred tons, Israel never considered Syria's non-conventional arsenal a serious threat. For several decades, Israelis lived next to this immense reservoir of nerve gas without fear, knowing that neither Hafez nor Assad would dare use it against Israel, as Israeli retaliation would end their reign.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.