Israeli Security Personnel Bracing For Direct Iranian Attack

Israeli forces are on high alert ahead of an anticipated Iranian response to Israel’s April 9 targeting of the Tiyas airbase in Syria. Israeli intelligence sources believe the expected attack could include precision-guided or armed drones, not unlike February’s penetration of Israeli air space by an Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle which set off a major conflagration. Israel’s defense establishment further contends that the assault will be perpetrated by the Revolutionary Guards Corps itself – under the supervision of chief Qasem Soleimani – as opposed to Iran’s proxies, as has generally been the case. Additionally, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu confirmed that security has been increased at Israeli diplomatic missions across the globe, given that Iranian agents on numerous occasions have been arrested while scouting such facilities; and especially when considering Hizbullah’s deadly bombing, at Tehran’s directive, of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992.  Meanwhile, satellite photos of Iranian installations in Syria – including Tiyas, or T-4, located near Homs – were released Tuesday showing how the Islamic Republic is using commercial airlines as cover to smuggle troops and advanced weaponry into the country, with a view to establishing a permanent military presence. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Jerusalem will not countenance such a threat along its northern border and has proven willing to employ force to prevent this eventuality.