According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran transferred an advanced radar system to Syria in the middle of last year, a system that will significantly complicate Israeli aerial activities in the area, enabling Syria to detect IAF aircraft from a greater distance. There are also concerns that Damascus will cooperate with Hizbullah and provide the terrorist army with real-time reports regarding IAF activities in the skies over southern Lebanon.
The report states that both US and Israeli officials are aware of the system, but Israel prefers to remain silent to avoid a flare-up of border tensions in the north. Intelligence officials also wish to keep the focus of the international community on Iran’s developing nuclear program, not the radar system.
The Office of the IDF Spokesperson confirms Iran is directly involved in improving Syria’s intelligence capabilities as well as assisting with advanced radar abilities.
Israel has recently accused Hizbullah of arming with Scud rockets delivered from Syria, an accusation met with adamant denials from both Hizbullah and Syria.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)