Some threats make front page news, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad launching 450 rockets at Israeli citizens from Gaza this month.
Other threats loom in the background.
Last month, the IDF raised new concerns about the severity of mounting threats on Israel's northern border, where according to the IDF’s chief of staff, “the situation is tense and precarious and poised to deteriorate into a conflict.”
In a briefing, the IDF chief of staff said Israel’s main strategic threat lies with newly entrenched Iranian forces in Syria and Hezbollah’s advancing precision-guided missile technology in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s precision-guided missile technology severely complicates Israel’s ability to repel Hezbollah’s aggression, since these advanced weapons can precisely target strategic locations throughout Israel.
But Iran is not waiting for Hezbollah to target Israel, nor is it relying on Hezbollah’s precision-guided missiles alone.
In Syria, Iran has already leveraged its position to directly attack Israel at least five times in the past 18 months, including a foiled plot this August to attack Israel with “suicide drones.”
Iran already has significant military infrastructure in Syria, including approximately 40 military bases, airfields, advanced air defense systems, and production and storage facilities.
In addition to these dangers along the north, Israel continues to face growing threats against escalating rocket attacks along its southern borders.
In the last 12 months, terror groups in Gaza have fired more than 1,700 rockets at Israel’s citizens. Five Israelis have been killed. Dozens injured. Millions forced into bomb shelters.
As these threats continue to mount, it is essential that the United States maintain its commitment to Israel’s security.
One thing is clear; Israel’s very existence depends on how well equipped it is to protect itself against those who want to destroy it. Without full U.S. security assistance, it would be incredibly difficult for Israel to do so.
