Syria: Why are Israelis offering condolences to US leaders

BEIRUT: Worried by rapid advances of Syrian Arab Army and its allies against rebel groups in Syria, Israeli military leaders are frequenting Washington with hopes of turning the tide of war. However, according to security analysts, the mood in such meetings indicate they have little or no hopes of reversing the Syrian gains.

Writing in the Israeli newspaper Maariv security analyst, Yossi Melman, disclosed that a recent Israeli delegation headed by the Director of Mossad, Yossi Cohen, went to the White House and discussed the situation in Syria.

An informed Israeli source told Melman that the delegation had all the appearances of a funeral. "Those who offered condolences were the Americans," he explained. "The Israelis received the condolences and the funeral procession included the burial of US policy in Syria."

The visit came close on the heels of Iran's decision to send more troops to embattled Arab country to secure the recent gains.

Reports said, Iran is dispatching thousands of additional troops to Syria to support the overstretched Syrian Arab Army to maintain the tempo of rapid gains on the battlefield made against rebel groups backed by the West and regional Arab states.

Israeli intelligence evaluation has disclosed that in the battle against rebels in eastern Syria the Syrian army needs further support from the well-trained Iranian troops as well as Russian air cover. Russia, he said, has endorced the reinforcements from Iran.

Melman pointed out that the Israelis are concerned that Iranian troops and Hezbollah fighters will be deployed near the occupied Golan Heights. Israel expects thousands of Iranian soldiers to join the 1,500 military advisers who have been in Syria for years. He claimed that Israel recognises that its ability to affect the emerging situation in Syria is limited.