Israel and Iran may see another confrontation

Israel and Iran may see another confrontation as Syrian troops prepare for southern Syria offensive

al Masdar News,

26 November, 2014

BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:55 A.M.) – Israel and Iran may come to blows in the near future as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) prepares to launch a massive offenisve in the southern provinces of Dara’a and Al-Quneitra.

According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Army’s upcoming offensive in the Dara’a and Al-Quneitra governorates will likely witness Israeli interference due to the latter’s fears over a larger Hezbollah-Iranian presence along the Golan Heights.

Iran’s participation in this southern Syria offensive will be limited, but Israel views any movements by the Syrian Arab Army as a threat to their national security.

In the past, the Syrian Army troops in Al-Quneitra have come under assault from the Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights, despite the fact these attacks often benefit the jihadist rebels in the area.

While Israel likely prefers having the opposition groups on their border, the latter will not be able to withstand a large-scale offensive if the Syrian Army takes the high ground in western Dara’a.

The Syrian Army’s first objective will be to seize the strategic hilltop town of Tal Al-Harrah in western Dara’a; this will give them fire control over a large part of the Al-Quneitra Governorate.

What happens after the capture of Tal Al-Harrah will be critical because if the Syrian Army pushes towards the provincial capital of Al-Quneitra, it could trigger a response from Israel.