February 2018 Israel–Syria incident

February 2018 Israel–Syria incident
Part of Israeli–Syrian border incidents and the Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war
Date10 February 2018
Location
Syria, Israel
Result
  • Per IAF, Iranian drone shot down after entering Israeli airspace
  • Israel responds by striking the Tiyas Military Airbase in Syria
  • Downing of Israeli F-16 jet by the Syrian Air Defense
  • Per IAF, Israeli fighter jets attack additional sites, bringing the total to 12 being hit[citation needed]
Belligerents
 Israel  Syria
 Iran[1]
Units involved
 Israeli Air Force  Syrian Arab Air Force
Syrian Air Defense Force
Strength
8 F-16 jets
1 AH-64 helicopter		 1 Saegheh (UAV)
Unknown number of air defense systems and SAM batteries including S-200, SA-17, SA-6 and SA-3[2]
Casualties and losses
2 pilots wounded,
1 F-16 shot down[3]		 6–10 soldiers/militiamen killed,[4][5]
1 drone shot down,
12 sites hit (8 Syrian & 4 Iranian; per Israel)[6]

On 10 February 2018, an Israeli F-16I was shot down by the Syrian air defenses after conducting an air raid on Iran-backed positions inside Syrian territory. The aircraft was part of a larger Israeli aerial dispatch which Israel said was sent in response to detection of an Iranian drone spying on Israel.[7][8][9][10] Two hours after the downing of the jet, Israel began attacking additional targets inside Syria, including air defense sites[11] and Iranian targets near Damascus.[12] Israel stated it destroyed the Syrian military's main command and control bunker.[13] Iran dismissed the Israeli allegation of Iranian drone incursion into Israeli territory as "ridiculous".[14]

It was the first time Israel and Iran confronted each other directly since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the beginning of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict.[15] Israel stated that it was "the biggest and most significant attack the air force has conducted against Syrian air defenses since the 1982 Lebanon War". Hezbollah said that the downing of the F-16 was the beginning of "a new strategic phase",[16] as it was the first occasion on which Israel lost a jet to an enemy combatant since 1982.[17]

Timeline

At 4:30 am on 10 February 2018, an Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopter shot down an Iranian-produced copy of the RQ-170 drone (Saegheh) near the northern town of Beit Shean.[18] The Iranian drone was sighted taking off from a base in Syria, flew along the Jordanian border, and was intercepted 90 seconds after crossing the Israeli border.[3][19][20][21] Israeli journalist Ron Ben-Yishai said that the Iranian drone was sent to test if the Israeli air defense systems could detect a stealth drone – a test which had failed.[22]

In response to the sighting of the drone crossing the Israeli border, 8 F-16Is of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck Tiyas Military Airbase from which the Israeli military said the drone had launched,[3] very likely with standoff weapons.[23] This base was attacked by the IAF in the past (March 2017), despite warnings from Russia due to its proximity to Russian military personnel.[22] The attack prompted a response from Syrian Air Defense systems, which after firing on the Israeli jets, shot down an Israeli F-16I fighter jet over northern Israel.[24] Two weeks later, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that the F-16I was hit by a S-200 surface-to-air missile (SAM) with the crew failing to take proper evasive actions. The same statement reported that 13 SAMs had been fired at the 8 F-16Is which took part in the initial attack, with another 14 SAMs fired during the subsequent attack flights, resulting in a total of 27 missiles fired on the attacking jets.[25]

The F-16I was flying at high altitude to verify the results of the strike on Syrian targets, which made it easy to track by Syrian air defenses.[26]

Aftermath

Sirens were heard in the early morning in northern Israel and flights at Tel Aviv's international airport were briefly halted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held security consultations following the incident, and Israel conducted several attacks against the Syrian Aerial Defense System and targets which Israel says are Iranian targets in Syria in response to the downing of the F-16.[27] The Wall Street Journal cited Syrian media reporting that 25 people were killed by the Israel airstrikes.[28]

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu said "They dispatched an Iranian drone from Syrian territory into Israel. ... Israel holds Iran and its Syrian hosts responsible."[29]

The Syrian Assistant Foreign Minister, Ayman Sussan said that they "have full confidence the aggressor will be greatly surprised, because it thought this war—this war of attrition Syria has been exposed to for years—had made it incapable of confronting attacks." He said Israel will meet new surprises should they attack Syrian again.[30]

In Syria the events were viewed as a game-changer given that it was the first time the Syrian government made good on promises to respond to violation of its territory. The government supporters celebrated the downing of the Israeli jet and hailed the Syrian army and President Bashar Assad.[31]

Benjamin Netanyahu presents part of the downed Iranian drone at the Munich Security Conference.

At the Munich Security Conference, Netanyahu showed an object that he said was part of the downed drone.[32]

Strategic significance

This incident is extremely unusual, as it is the first time Israel and Iran confronted each other directly since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the beginning of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict.[15] Israel stated that it was "the biggest and most significant attack the air force has conducted against Syrian air defenses since the 1982 Lebanon War". Hezbollah said that the downing of the F-16 is the beginning of "a new strategic phase",[16] as it was the first occasion on which Israel lost a jet to an enemy combatant, since 1982.[17]

Hezbollah suggested that the incident put an end to Israel's long-standing air superiority.[7]

An Israeli army assessment stated that the twelve retaliatory air strikes destroyed nearly half of Syria's aerial defense systems.[33][34] A day earlier, the Israeli military put the number of destroyed aerial defense batteries at three.[35]

On 14 February, Haaretz reported that the Israeli strikes only ended after an afternoon phone call between Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu.[36]

Reactions

  • Israel Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated "Israel wants peace but we will continue to defend ourselves with determination against any attack on us and against any attempt by Iran to entrench itself militarily in Syria or anywhere else."[37]
  • Syria Syria: The Ministry of Defense stated "The Israeli enemy has resumed its aggression against some military positions in the southern region. Our air defenses have been attacked and the aggression has been thwarted".[38]
  • Iran Iran: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted saying "Reports of downing an Iranian drone flying over Israel and also Iran's involvement in attacking an Israeli jet are so ridiculous... Iran only provides military advice to Syria."[14]
  • United States United States: "The Department of Defense did not participate in this military operation... Israel is our closest security partner in the region and we fully support Israel's inherent right to defend itself against threats to its territory and its people."[39]
  • Russia Russia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "of particular concern is the danger of escalation of tension within and around de-escalation zones in Syria, the creation of which has become an important factor in reducing violence on Syrian soil. We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and to avoid any actions that could lead to an even greater complication of the situation. We consider it necessary to unconditionally respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and other countries of the region. It is absolutely unacceptable to create threats to the lives and security of Russian servicemen who are in Syria at the invitation of its legitimate government to assist in the fight against terrorists."[16]
  •  United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson issued a response, expressing concern at the developments, but supporting Israel's right to defend itself: "We support Israel's right to defend itself against any incursions into its territory. We are concerned at the Iranian actions, which detract from efforts to get a genuine peace process underway. We encourage Russia to use its influence to press the regime and its backers to avoid provocative actions and to support de-escalation in pursuit of a broader political settlement," said Johnson.[40]
  • Hezbollah: Hezbollah hailed Syria's response to Israel's attack on Iranian and Syrian bases in Syria, saying it signals "a new strategic phase" that puts an end to violation of Syrian territories.[16]
  • Lebanon Lebanon: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants condemned "the raids on Syria" and stressed the right of "legitimate self-defense against any Israeli aggression." The statement added that "this aggressive policy practiced by Israel threatens stability in the region," calling on "the countries concerned to rein in Israel to stop its aggression."[41]
  • United Nations United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres said he was following closely the alarming military escalation throughout Syria and the dangerous spillover across its borders and called for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence in Syria.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Iranian drone we shot down was based on captured US drone". CNN. 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Pilot was right to eject from damaged fighter jet, air force chief says". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Lubell, Maayan; Barrington, Lisa (10 February 2018). "Israel launches heavy Syria strikes after F-16 crashes". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  4. ^ "The Latest: Netanyahu: Strikes severe blows to Syria, Iran". Associated Press. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 14 November 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  5. ^ "What led to the intense confrontation between Syria and Israel this past weekend?". Al Masdar News. 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  6. ^ Israel says its airstrikes took out half of Syria's air defenses Archived 12 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Los Angeles Times, Feb 11, 2018. Accessed Feb 12, 2018.
  7. ^ a b Lubell, Maayan; Barrington, Lisa (11 February 2018). "Israeli jet shot down after bombing Iranian site in Syria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  8. ^ Ahronheim, Anna (9 April 2018). "Israel strikes Iranian targets in Syria, IAF F-16 shot down". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  9. ^ "Israeli jet downed by Syrian fire – army". BBC News. 10 February 2018. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  10. ^ Kubovich, Yaniv; Shpigel, Noa; Khoury, Jack (10 February 2018). "Israel Downs Iranian Drone, Strikes Syria; Israeli F-16 Shot Down, Pilots Safe". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  11. ^ Conricus, Jonathan. "Here's a quick summary of today's events, from the #Iranian UAV to our large-scale strike against the #Syrian air-defense. The IDF will stand guard against any further attacks.pic.twitter.com/ntoHRiv1Z6".
  12. ^ Holmes, Oliver (10 February 2018). "Israel launches 'large-scale' attack in Syria after fighter jet crashes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  13. ^ "Minister: Iran will need 'time to digest' how Israel hit covert military sites". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  14. ^ a b Khoury, Jack (11 February 2018). "Hezbollah: Downing of Israeli F-16 Marks 'Start of New Strategic Phase'". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  15. ^ a b Pfeffer, Anshel (13 February 2018). "After Years of Covert Proxy Wars, Iran Shifts to Direct Contact With Israel". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  16. ^ a b c d "The Latest: Hezbollah says Syria reply to Israel 'new phase'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  17. ^ a b Kubovich, Yaniv (11 February 2018). "Israel Army: Drone Was Allowed to Cross Into Israel to Prove Iranian Aggression". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  18. ^ Lee, Ian; Tarabay, Jamie; Liebermann, Oren (12 February 2018). "Israel: Iranian drone we shot down was based on captured US drone". CNN. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  19. ^ IDF reveals UAV launched from Iran-operated Syrian base Archived 12 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine, YNET, 10 Feb 2018
  20. ^ FROM THE EUPHRATES TO BEIT SHE'AN: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC'S DANGEROUS GAME Archived 12 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Jerusalem Post, 12 Feb 2018
  21. ^ Israel Air Force says seized Iranian drone is a knockoff of US Sentinel, Defense News, 12 Feb 2018
  22. ^ a b Ron Ben-Yishai "Analysis: In order to prevent escalation, Israel should lower its profile". Ynet. i24 News. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  23. ^ "Syrian downing of F-16I begs question: Why didn't Israel deploy F-35s?". 13 February 2018.
  24. ^ "Netanyahu says Israel undeterred after Syria shoots down F-16". Reuters. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  25. ^ Zitun, Yoav (25 February 2018). "Investigation finds pilots of downed F-16 failed to defend themselves". YNET. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  26. ^ Tarnopolsky, Noga (12 February 2018). "Israel says its airstrikes took out half of Syria's air defenses". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  27. ^ Kershner, Isabel; Barnard, Anne; Schmitt, Eric (10 February 2018). "Israel launches heavy Syria strikes after F-16 crashes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  28. ^ Jones, Rory (11 February 2018). "Tension Rises Between Israel and Iran After Syria Clash". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  29. ^ "Israel warns Iran after strikes in Syria". BBC News. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  30. ^ "Damascus warns Israel of 'more surprises' in Syria". Reuters. 13 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  31. ^ Kershner, Isabel; Barnard, Anne; Schmitt, Eric (10 February 2018). "Israel Strikes Iran in Syria and Loses a Jet". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  32. ^ All RFE/RL sites (18 February 2018). "Israel, Iran Trade Barbs At Munich Security Conference". Rferl.org. Archived from the original on 18 February 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  33. ^ "Israeli PM: Airstrikes dealt 'severe blows' to Iran, Syria". CNN. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  34. ^ "Israel says its airstrikes took out half of Syria's air defenses". Los Angeles Times. 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  35. ^ Andrew Carey, Laura Smith-Spark and Nicole Chavez (10 February 2018). "Israeli PM: Airstrikes dealt 'severe blows' to Iran, Syria". CNN. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  36. ^ "Putin's Phone Call With Netanyahu Put End to Israeli Strikes in Syria". Haaretz. 14 February 2018. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  37. ^ "Netanyahu: Israel will not allow Iranian entrenchment in Syria". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  38. ^ السورية, وزارة الدفاع في الجمهورية العربية. "وسائط دفاعنا الجوي تتصدى لعدوان إسرائيلي جديد". وزارة الدفاع في الجمهورية العربية السورية. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  39. ^ "U.S. supports Israel's right to defend itself: Pentagon". Reuters. 10 February 2018. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  40. ^ "EU warns of spiraling violence after Israel-Syria border incident". The Jerusalem Post.
  41. ^ "Lebanon asks UN Security Council to pressure Israel after 'airspace violation'". Arab News. 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  42. ^ "Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Syrian Arab Republic". United Nations Secretary-General. 10 February 2018. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.

34°31′21″N 37°37′47″E / 34.5225°N 37.62972°E / 34.5225; 37.62972

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