In this space in the past I have pointed to the troubling implications for Israel of Russia’s growing influence and military presence in the Middle East. Indeed, last week I mentioned the prophetic implications of Russian’s warming relations with Turkey.
This week brings us yet another data point in this emerging story of Russia’s rise as a permanent, powerful military presence on Israel’s northern doorstep.
Just a few days ago, Russian bombers flew a mission into Syria that originated at a base in Iran.
In the middle of the night Monday, Russia flew four Tu-22 Backfire bombers along with a Russian cargo plane loaded with the munitions to Hamadan air base in northwest Iran. Only hours later, those bombers hit Syrian rebel targets.
Iran’s unwavering commitment to annihilate Israel
This is a huge development in that it represents the first time since before the Islamic revolution of 1979 that Iran has allowed a foreign power to use its territory for military operations. Jeff White, a military analyst and defense fellow at The Washington Institute noted,
“. . . this shows the extent of Russia-Iran cooperation in the Syria war. Whatever the alleged policy differences between the two countries, they are engaged in effective military cooperation in Syria. Hamedan appears in effect to be a Russian base ... I think that is a pretty big deal.”
It is a big deal, indeed. What persuaded the Iranians to abandon nearly four decades of military policy concerning the presence of foreign military powers operating on Iranian soil? Permission appears to have been granted for a price.
Last year Russia agreed to supply Iran with its S-300 missile air defense system — a promise Moscow recently kept. Such a system will make it more difficult for the nation of Israel to act defensively against Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions should it decide such action is necessary for its survival.
Iran’s unwavering commitment to annihilate Israel joined with their emboldened nuclear development, the acquisition of this new air defense system, and the presence of a Russian-Iranian cooperative just over Israel’s northern border are all reasons of concern for Israel. We will continue to monitor these ongoing developments in the light of biblical prophecy and help keep you informed.
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