Syria and Israel Exchange Fire
A Syrian missile being launched (Wikipedia)
A Syrian anti-aircraft missile landed less than 20 miles from the Israeli Dimona nuclear power plant on April 22 after missing an Israeli jet fighter. News of the missile has caused concern because local air defense systems failed to intercept it before impact. In response, Israel fired missiles at several anti-air emplacements around Damascus, injuring four Syrian soldiers.
The Israeli Defense Ministry concluded that Syria probably fired the missile inadvertently. Nevertheless, many have speculated that Iran had hoped to use its military forces in Syria to strike the Dimona power plant in response to an alleged Israeli cyberattack carried out against an Iranian nuclear enrichment facility earlier this month. In fact, an Iranian op-ed had specifically mentioned the Dimona plant as a potential target for a strike.
Pundits believed that the Dimona plant houses Israel’s secretive nuclear weapons program, the existence of which Israel has not acknowledged. The plant likely processes spent nuclear reactor rods on-site to produce weapons-grade plutonium. Following the cyber attack, Iran, which has pursued a nuclear weapons program of its own, announced that it would begin enriching uranium to 60 percent purity; almost weapons-grade.
Israel routinely launches airstrikes against Syria to counter what it considers Iranian encroachment into the neighboring country. Israel fears that in the event of a war, Iran could target key Israeli cities with more powerful missiles from bases in Syria. The risk for such a war has increased given the recent breakdown in relations between the two rival countries.
Iran also serves as a benefactor for Hezbollah, a militant organization stationed in Lebanon that often carries out bombings in Israel.
This incident exemplifies the individual efforts of Israel and Iran to influence regional dynamics. Whether or not the missile was fired deliberately, relations between the two states have descended to historic lows. Nevertheless, the animosity on the ground will complicate future negotiations vis-à-vis Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to limit their enrichment capacities.