Iran major power, 'Israel' may back down from war: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
23 Dec 2024 11:35
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Israeli reporter Avi Ashkenazi highlights Iran's military and economic strength, raising concerns about "Israel's" ability to sustain a war of attrition, suggesting "Israel" would ultimately avoid conflict with Iran.

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People visit the National Aerospace Park of the Revolution Guard, showing the guard's aerospace achievements, just outside Tehran, Iran, on November 15, 2024. (AP)

Israeli Maariv's North and Military Affairs correspondent, Avi Ashkenazi, acknowledged on Saturday that "Iran remains a major power, with hundreds of thousands of missiles, an economy many times larger than Israel's, and vast resources including minerals, natural gas, and oil."

Ashkenazi questioned whether "Israel is capable of engaging in a war of attrition with Iran," emphasizing that the issue is more complex.

He also mentioned that "at the Mossad, there was anger yesterday over leaks from political reporters who claimed that the Mossad chief had recommended launching a campaign against Iran. In Barnea's circle, they refused to confirm these reports, stating that the publications were not entirely accurate."

Ashkenazi stressed the importance of "not underestimating the Iranians, even when they are wounded," adding, "I assume Barnea was referring to an operational plan that could damage the Iranians. I believe that's what he meant."

Finally, he acknowledged that "ultimately, Israel will back down from going to war with Iran."

Mass destruction of defenses allows Israeli attacks on Iran via Syria

After dropping nearly 1,800 bombs over around 500 targets in Syria, the Israeli military command said earlier this month that it has destroyed the vast majority of Syrian air defenses.

The Israeli Air Force now assesses that it is capable of safely conducting operations over Syrian airspace after achieving air superiority in the area.

According to Israeli media outlets, the quick dismantlement of Syrian military capabilities now allows the occupation to use Syrian airspace for long-range strikes on Iran. Syrian air defense array was described as one of the strongest in the region. However, with the fall of the former regime's government, the Israeli occupation quickly violated Syrian sovereignty and launched a large aerial campaign on the country.

Seeing that forces that assumed power in the country could not operate these systems, Israeli warplanes made quick work of the defenses, destroying nearly 87% of Syrian air defense capabilities.

This includes Russian-made Pantsir and Buk air defense systems, which played a crucial role in engaging and thwarting Israeli strikes on the country in the past.