Threat of Chemical Weapons in Syria Poses a Growing Concern for Israel
Israel is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Syria, acutely aware of the potential dangers posed by the abundance of chemical weapons in the region and the potential for them to fall into the wrong hands. The ongoing civil war presents a complex dilemma for Israeli authorities who grapple with the threat of Islamist rebels acquiring a devastating arsenal.
Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed their anxieties about the possibility of rebel groups gaining control over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. These fears have intensified with the Syrian government’s grip on power weakening, raising fears of a potential collapse.
There are growing concerns that chemical weapons may fall into the hands of radical groups, adding a dangerous new dimension to the ongoing conflict.
A Delicate Balance: Confronting Two Threats
Israel faces a multifaceted challenge: navigating the uncertainties of a neighboring nation collapsing into chaos while trying to prevent the proliferation of deadly weapons. On one hand, they worry about the potential for the Syrian government to lose control of its chemical arsenal, creating a risk of these weapons falling into the hands of hostile groups. On the other hand, the potential collapse of the Assad regime itself presents a source of deep concern. The rise of extremist groups like ISIS or other militant factions from the chaos could potentially destabilize the region even further and
“We see a double threat,” a senior Israeli official stated, highlighting the contentious situation.
The official refers to a delicate scenario: “If
Some experts suggest that Israel may contemplate direct intervention to secure these chemical weapons. Ezekiel 23, discussing the potential implications of a regime collapse…
Iran’s Growing Presence Increases Tension
Adding to Israel’s anxieties is the increasing involvement of Iran within the Syrian conflict. The presence of Iranian troops and militias bolstering the Assad regime raises alarm bells in Jerusalem. This foreign involvement adds a new layer of complexity, escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli officials have systematically warned against any Iranian attempts to smuggle arms into Syria. In a stern proclamation,
Israel is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure that Iran doesn’t secure a foothold within Syria, potentially threatening Israel’s security.
How effective does Israel believe the international community’s efforts have been in eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons programme?
## Interview: The Ticking Time Bomb of Chemical Weapons in Syria
**Host:** Welcome back to the programme. Joining us today is Dr. Anya Lev, a Middle Eastern security analyst, to discuss the growing concerns surrounding chemical weapons in Syria and the potential threat they pose to Israel. Dr. Lev, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Lev:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Lev, Israel has expressed deep concern about the potential for Syria’s chemical weapons to fall into the wrong hands. Can you elaborate on this threat?
**Dr. Lev:** Absolutely. The ongoing conflict in Syria, now in its 12th year, has created an incredibly volatile situation. Assessed as of 2018 [[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1091462)], there were still significant challenges in eradicating Syria’s chemical weapons programme. This, coupled with the weakening grip of the Syrian government and the presence of various armed groups, including Islamist rebels, makes the prospect of these weapons falling into the wrong hands a nightmare scenario.
**Host:** What are the specific concerns for Israel in this context?
**Dr. Lev:** Israel shares a border with Syria and has a history of conflict with its neighbor. The potential for chemical weapons to be used against Israel, either directly or indirectly, is a major concern. The fear is that these weapons could be acquired by extremist groups who might target Israel or even sold to other hostile actors.
**Host:** How does Israel view the international efforts to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons programme?
**Dr. Lev:** Israel has been critical of the international community’s response to the chemical weapons issue in Syria. While there have been steps taken to address the problem, they haven’t been enough, in their view. Israel believes that more needs to be done to ensure the complete destruction of these weapons and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
**Host:** Dr. Lev, thank you for sharing your expertise on this critical issue. It’s certainly a situation that the world needs to be watching closely.
**Dr. Lev:** The threat is very real, and international cooperation is essential to mitigating the risks posed by chemical weapons in Syria.
