Israel's Airstrikes on Syria May Prove Costly
The attack in Syria may be considered a short term military success, but in the long run it might prove costly, based upon the lessons from previous Israeli military interventions, writes Shlomi Eldar.
Even before we know exactly what the Israeli air force’s alleged assault in Syria really achieved, allow me to raise a question.
If reports are correct, the goal of Israel’s decision makers was to prevent Hezbollah from obtaining “game-changing" weapons. If this is the case, I can’t help but wonder: Was it a wise move?
To expand on that: Is Israeli military intervention in the mayhem that is Syria a wise move as far as Israel’s security interests are concerned?
It's doubtful whether at that meeting of the Security Cabinet, which, according to foreign news sources, gave a green light for the operation, the ministers considered the possible long-term strategic impact of such a strike. It is doubtful whether the ministers voiced their opinion about the dramatic impact that such an attack might have on the emerging balance of power in Syria, and if it might actually create a riskier and far more complex situation as far as Israel is concerned.
