Pre-emptive or provocation? Why Israel struck Syria's airports amid Gaza onslaught
Track the latest updates on Israel-Hamas war Syria, under Bashar al-Assad's rule since 2000, has held differing views on Hezbollah. While the Syrian leadership adheres to the Alewite sect, Hezbollah adheres to hardline Shia school of thought, and envisages a theocratic state on the lines of post-1979 Iran. The Assad-Hezbollah relations, however, turned strong in the aftermath of the Syrian civil war in 2011, as the militant group sided with Iran and Russia to back the embattled Syrian president.
Assad's regime has not directly commented on whether it would back Hezbollah in the scenario of the latter's likely direct involvement in the Israel-Hamas war. However, Syria, under him, is considered as part of Iran's ‘Axis of Resistance’ – comprising Syria, Hezbollah which controls parts of Lebanon, and Yemen, analysts said. The members of this grouping will support each other in case of any party enters into a direct conflict with Israel, experts added.
Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Even as a number of Arab countries improved their ties with Israel in recent decades, Syria has remained an arch-rival of the country, primarily due to the occupation of Golan Heights. After the six-day war in October of 1973 – exactly 40 years ago – the Syrian forces had lost the strategically crucial Golan Heights plateau to Israel.
Read more on livemint.com
