>> ...the IDF has the ability to start a fight with Iran. It does not have the ability to finish it...
With all due respect to Mr. Peters, I wouldn’t bet against Israel and their IDF.
They have Jehovah Nissi as their Sword and Shield.
Helping topple Assad (not helping set up anyone else, just making sure he can’t make mud out of sand anymore) is an excellent strategic step towards winning the war against crazy moose limbs. This deprives Iran of a key ally. The air raids were thus a great opening move, in addition to wrecking some chemical weapons.
Remember the Iran/Iraq war? It shifted now and then from one side to the other... but it was stalemated by Saddams superior forces (relatively) against waves and waves... and waves of Iranian children sent to their deaths. Imagine Israel dealing with that...