Israel and Hezbollah's Golan calculations

When Hezbollah went to war with Israel in 2006, estimates suggest it had ap­proximately 13,000 short-range rockets. Now it could have more than 100,000, includ­ing weapons with greater accuracy, range and payloads.


Hezbollah has acquired the Rus­sian-made SA-17 "Buk," a medium-range air defense missile originally sold to Syria that has a range of 31 miles and can target aircraft flying at altitudes of 78,000 feet.

The SA-17, which Israel went to great lengths to prevent Hezbol­lah from acquiring, represents the Lebanese group's most potent air defense weapon and puts all Israeli aircraft within reach.

Israel also says Hezbollah is con­structing bases in Syria to store mis­siles — possibly Iranian Shabab-1, Shabab-2 and Fateh-110 ballistic missiles, which puts Israel fully within striking range.

These developments represent a growing strategic threat for Israel. Add to it the possibility of Hezbol­lah establishing a presence in the Golan and the situation becomes especially troubling.

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 during the Six-Day War and has occupied it since, effectively annexing it in 1981. In­ternational law officially recognizes the territory as Syrian, as do Israel's closest allies such as the United States, Britain and France......http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Opinion/2016/12/19/Israel-and-Hezbollahs-Golan-calculations/1081482173509/
 [upi.com]
19/12/16
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