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INSS Managing Director Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman comments on the attack on Damascus International Airport, which foreign sources attribute to Israel:

1. On the strategic level, the operational pressure in Syria is intended to halt Iran’s consolidation in Syria, and demonstrate to the Syrian regime the cost of hosting the Iranians.

2. On the operational level – three objectives:

• Work against strategic arms shipments (missiles and UAVs)
• Prevent the transfer of weapons, money, and precision technology to Hezbollah
• Work against the infrastructure of Shiite militias, whose purpose is to attack Israel.

3. Why is this important now? Because Iran has recently been under multi-dimensional operational pressure. The continued lack of Iranian success in harming Israeli officials could create frustration and divert the desire for revenge to different courses of action, such as a response with firepower from Syrian soil toward Israel. That is why flights from Iran to Syria must be stopped.

4. Why Damascus International? Because the airport is a transportation hub for Iranian means.

5. Keep in mind:

• It is not worth Assad’s while to retaliate. He knows that his military capability is weak and he will pay a high price.
• The Russians are condemning but will not intervene, even if we condemn their actions in Ukraine.
• The Iranians will not give up on Hezbollah – but they might give up on Syria. Syria is important, but Hezbollah is vital.