[CMB_polarization]

I don’t understand Israel’s game. They degrade Assad’s capabilities and allies, and open up Syria to a buch of rebels with connections to Al Queda and jihadist elements. Even if there are reasonable Syrians opposing Assad, the radical elements will be a problem forever, worse than Egypt, worse than Libya. Israel, on the face of it, is increasing the potential for far worse problems down the road.

[jjotto]

Israel, on the face of it, is increasing the potential for far worse problems down the road.

That's the chorus Israel has been facing since before its inception. Clear and present dangers have to be dealt with first. The US and the UN effectively prevent Israel from preventing "worse problems down the road."

[bert]

There are radicals scattered everywhere in the region. They will be dealt with once Assad is gone.

Inspite of the hype, the radicals are not in control anywhere except Iran and perhaps Lebanon

[alloysteel]

Anything left over or unused when the insurrection in Syria is resolved one way or the other, will, without doubt, be turned against Israel.

Consider this a pre-emptive strike by Israel. Just as they took out the atomic weaponry capability of Syria several years back.

If the Israelis seem hyper-sensitive about what is going on within Syria, they have ample reason to act before the situation gets so desperate that there is no hope of prevailing.

Never again.

[jttpwalsh]

Hezbollah works out of Lebanon. My understanding is that these missiles were on their way there, to be used against Northern Israel. Syria is an Iranian proxy, the shipment was likely en route, on orders from Tehran. These arms were not destined to support Assad, and their destruction was not intended to set back the Syrian rebels - simply a preemptive strike to prevent launches in Lebanon from targeting Israel. Thank you.

[Netz]

Israel's game is not complex. Unlike the US, Israel must deal with threats in front of the horizon, not beyond that horizon. It cannot afford to delay or put off what might be defined as a ticking time bomb-even in the short range time span. Israel has said time and time again that it will prevent “game changing” arsenals from falling into Hizbollah;s hands and, they mean it. The Israelis cannot afford to kick the can down the road as Obama has done 75 times already...