Syria worried about Israeli bombs

Sale of bunker-busting bombs to Israel liable to upset Middle East balance of power, say Syrian experts; They also worry that American activities in region will encourage Israeli adventurism against Syria and Lebanon

It’s just another day in the Middle East arms race: Syrian political commentators and security experts are worried about a planned U.S.-Israeli weapons deal, the Qatari newspaper al-Watan reported on Saturday.

 

According to media reports, the American administration will okay the sale of 100 bunker-busting bombs to Israel.

 

Syrian experts are concerned that the sale of the GBU-28 will tip the balance of power in the Middle East in Israel’s favor and will cause “Tel Aviv’s rulers to continue its occupation policies and violent escalation towards Arab countries.”

 

If Israel should receive these bombs, it will be the first American ally to receive such a weapon. May 28 was the deadline for congressional committees to register their opposition to the arms sale.

 

Syrian military strategist Hitham el-Kilaani said that the 2.2-ton bomb could punch through reinforced concrete bunkers buried six meters underground and other targets 30 meters deep.

 

The U.S. first used the bomb during the First Gulf War in 1991 and also in Yugoslavia. The weapon proved its destructive power by demolishing bomb shelters, fortifications and other strategic targets.

 

Though ruling out an impending Israeli attack, Syrian observers are concerned about what they say are IDF exercises on the Golan Heights and near the border with Lebanon.

 

They believe that the American presence in the region and its pressure on Syria will encourage Israeli adventurism: “Israeli military strategy draws inspiration from the actions of the United States, that is, going to war on the mere suspicion that countries pose a threat to it.”