Israel Warns Bashar al-Assad About Iranian Military Presence in Syria

An Israeli minister stated that if the Syrian president continues to allow Iran to establish its military presence in Syria, he himself will be at risk. According to the Jerusalem Post, Yuval Steinitz, Israel's Energy Minister, said on Monday evening, February 12, that Bashar al-Assad must consider that by allowing Iran to set up a military base in Syria or permitting the transfer of precision missiles for Hezbollah from Syrian territory, he is putting himself in danger. Mr. Steinitz is one of the twelve members of Israel's limited cabinet that discussed potential next steps regarding Syria during a multi-hour meeting on Sunday, February 11. This cabinet includes only ministers with sensitive security and political positions. Israel reported on Saturday morning, February 10, that it had first shot down an 'Iranian drone' that had entered Israeli airspace from Syria, and then conducted several waves of airstrikes against 'Iranian and Syrian targets' in Syrian territory. During these events, Israel confirmed the downing of one of its fighter jets. Iran denied reports about its drone's incursion into Israeli airspace. Meanwhile, several former Israeli security and military officials suggested in analyses in Israeli media that an attack on Bashar al-Assad himself should also be considered by Israel to make him understand that the country is 'serious' in its dealings with Syria and that attacks could escalate to new levels. In this context, Yuval Steinitz, the highest-ranking Israeli official to openly join these warnings against the Syrian president, told Israeli army radio that if Iran crosses 'Israel's red lines' in Syria, an attack on Bashar al-Assad himself would be on Israel's agenda. This Israeli official, close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referred to two 'red lines' for the country: turning Syria into the front line of Iran's Revolutionary Guards and establishing intelligence, naval, and air bases, and allowing Iran to enhance Hezbollah's missile capabilities and deliver precision missiles to this group, which poses a greater threat to Israel than the current situation. Yuval Steinitz also stated that Syria and Lebanon are no different. According to him, both the Syrian army and Hezbollah serve Iran, and in the event of war, not only the initiator of the war should be targeted. According to this Israeli minister, 'the Assad regime is a weak pawn' in Iran's Shia axis, and 'Bashar al-Assad should think very carefully about allowing Iran to turn Syria into a military base or transfer precision missiles for Lebanon, as he is putting himself, his government, and his army at risk.' Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that his country had dealt 'heavy blows to Iranian and Syrian forces in recent attacks and that the rules of engagement for Israel have not changed.' Although Syria confirmed the extensive Israeli attacks and the downing of an Israeli fighter jet with its air defense on Saturday, it did not mention the possible consequences. Syria only warned that Israel's next attacks would not go unanswered but remained silent in the face of further threats from senior Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Britain joined the U.S. in supporting Israel's steps in 'self-defense.' Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary, stated in a statement on Monday that his country is concerned about developments along the Israel-Syria border and recognizes Israel's right to defend itself against any incursions into its territory. The U.S. had previously expressed 'full support' for Israel against 'Iran's malicious actions.' Tehran and Damascus emphasize that Iran's military presence in Syria is 'advisory' and has been established at the invitation of that country's government. In this regard, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior international advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, stated on Monday to the Fars news agency that Iran's presence in Syria will continue based on agreements between the two countries. Tehran's support for Bashar al-Assad's government has drawn criticism from several countries in the region and the world.