This followed the first-ever operational launch of the longer-range Arrow ballistic missile defence system (initially introduced in 2000), when an Arrow-2 missile interceptor on March 17 successfully shot down a Syrian S-200 missile launched at Israeli jets. Tensions on Israel’s northern border are at the highest level since the 2011 outbreak of the Syrian civil war.
Hezbollah’s efforts to acquire precision weapons will ensure ongoing Israeli military operations against the group in Lebanon and Syria.
In the event of an accidental strike on Russian forces, Israel would be vulnerable to Russia’s advanced anti-aircraft and radar systems.
Any future Hezbollah-Israel war would massively damage Lebanese infrastructure and trigger an evacuation of Israel’s northern communities.
