Israel Air Force Chief Major-General Amir Eshel warned that war with Syria could come suddenly, within a matter of hours. Addressing a Herzliya conference on Wednesday 13 Sivan 5773, the air force commander explained advanced Russian-built weapons systems have not yet arrived in Syria, despite media reports to the contrary.

Eshel warns that a war with Syria will have to be won in the first days, realizing the dangers facing the “homefront”, the awareness that enemy rockets can reach most areas of Israel today. This he explained would demand “massive fire” by Israel towards determining the outcome as quickly as possible. His remarks echo statements made earlier this week by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, warning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of the consequences of entering into a military conflict with Israel.

Eshel stressed the need for absolute preparedness, explaining isolated incidents can escalate to warfare in a very short time, and the military, particularly the air force, must be ready to respond in a matter of hours.

Regarding the stability of Assad’s government Eshel warns that the current administration could fall at any moment and this may lead to the vast arsenal being used against Israel as well as weapons reaching the hands of Israel’s enemies. “This does not mean that we are going to take action but we will be ready to do so” he explained.

Also addressing the military forum was Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who explaining that while the conventional threat against Israel has dropped, there are still tens of thousands of rockets aimed at Israel. Ya’alon points out that for now, Assad is busy trying to remain in power and is less concerned with goings on in Israel. However he confirms that Israel must remain ready for the situation can change at a moment’s notice.

Eshel’s statements come amid reports that thousands of Hizbullah fighters along with troops from Iran have entered Syria to strengthen the crumbling Assad regime. Reports from Kuwait state that fatalities among Hizbullah fighters are far higher than the organization admits, placing that number at 300 at present.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)