It is no coincidence: 'Gideon' arrives, Syria is attacked - and the road to Iran is paved | Avi Ashkenazi
The 60-day ceasefire between the US and Iran has ended, the strategic aircraft is landing in Israel, and a highly important airfield in northern Syria has been attacked. Simultaneously, the US is redeploying in the region, and signs of another round against Iran are accumulating rapidly.
This morning, shortly after 08:30, the second 'Gideon' aircraft will land in Israel. Four more are expected to arrive during the coming year. The 'Gideon' aircraft are not just refueling planes; they are strategic assets capable of long-range operations: from transporting forces and equipment to functioning as a flying hospital or performing tasks reserved for the 'Nachshon' squadron, such as aerial intelligence, electronic warfare, and air control. These aircraft are intended to provide the Air Force with increased air superiority in both near and far theaters.
The attack last night at the airport in the Idlib province of northwestern Syria was carried out in four waves. According to reports in Arab media, the airfield, located about seventy kilometers from the Turkish border, has recently undergone renovations. The intention was to make it operational for military activity by either the Syrian army or Turkish forces. Turkish military personnel are behind the renovation. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident remains in the realm of denial. Both the Turks and the Syrians have an interest in remaining silent, as it appears the Turks introduced radar and possibly air defense systems to the airfield. Northern Syria is a critical corridor for Israel and the US to reach Iran and Iraq in the event of escalation. The fact that Turkey took a specific stance regarding the fight against Iran during the 'Lion's Roar' war explains why hitting the Abu Duhur airfield was vital.
The ceasefire has ended, the war has not stopped
This week, the sixty-day ceasefire between the US and Iran expired. In practice, the war has not stopped for a single hour. Iran continues to challenge the US and Gulf states that have taken sides in the campaign.
Yesterday, US President Donald Trump issued a statement regarding the conflict:
'There are no talks taking place, nor are any planned, with Iran. The naval blockade remains. The Strait of Hormuz is open and active. All naval mines have been removed.'
The Iranians responded with attacks on vessels and firing towards the UAE. They also activated the Houthis, who have been attacking targets in Saudi Arabia in recent days.
It is a matter of time until large-scale military action by the US, and perhaps Israel, is required again. The US is currently awaiting the replacement of the aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln' with the 'George Washington'. In the background, a visit by the President of China to the US is scheduled for next month, and the annual UN conference is set to convene in a few weeks.
Preparations for another round of confrontation between the US, Israel, and Iran are underway. The 'Gideon' aircraft and the bombing in northern Syria are part of this process.
