Israel’s Defences Prevent Many Casualties

Whilst the UK has basked in record-breaking bank holiday temperatures and enjoyed a record-breaking last wicket stand that won the third Ashes Test Match, Israel’s defence forces have achieved a couple of major successes – successes that may just have delayed the start of the next war in the Middle East.

Iranian Base in Syria Destroyed

On Saturday the Israeli military announced that they had struck a base used by the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Aqraba, south-east of the Syrian capital, Damascus. That strike prevented a planned attack on northern Israel using explosive-laden drones.

‘Before and after’ satellite photos show that the Iranian base was destroyed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that at least five people were killed in the strike.

Those five included two members of Hezbollah whose names were published by the Israelis this morning. The Israelis also published surveillance photos of a previous attempt to launch an explosive-laden drone into Israel.

Before and After photos produced by ImageSat International on 25th August 2019

Rockets Shot Down Near Festival

More important than that strike was the shooting-down of missiles fired from Gaza towards a music festival being held near the southern town of Sderot yesterday. More than 4,000 people were reported to be at the “Live Sderot Festival” which was interrupted when three rockets were fired towards it.

Two of the rockets were shot-down by the Iron Dome missile defence system and one landed next to Highway 34, starting a fire. Video footage shows the Iron Dome missiles streaking above the festival ground.

Another video shows the near-panic that ensued as many members of the crowd tried to get to a place of safety. If anyone is unsure what it is like to live under the constant threat of terrorism, then these images convey the reality powerfully.

Screenshot from video clip of crowd running for cover.

That rocket attack is at least the fourth that has been carried out from Gaza over the last two weeks.

Significant Events

The significance of these events should be obvious. If either or both of these attacks on Israel had succeeded, there would have been many casualties – especially if rockets had landed in the crowd at the music festival.

With Israel already reeling from the terror attack that killed 17-year old Rina Shnerb on Friday, numerous casualties over the weekend would have forced the Israeli government to take stronger action against the country’s enemies than it has done so far this year.

Iran and the terrorist groups it supports are relentless in their attempts to kill Israelis. They have again brought the region to the very brink of war.