Israeli Media Alarmed Over Russia's S-300 Supply to Syria

The statement, made by the Russian Defense Ministry, that Moscow might reconsider a sale of the S-300 systems to Damascus following the US and allied airstrike, has raised concern among Israeli analysts and journalists, who are concerned over possible threats it may pose to Israel.

The Jerusalem Post has warned that "Israel's air superiority is at risk of being challenged in one of the most difficult" areas if Russia decides to sell Syria more advanced air defense systems. The newspaper has voiced fears that the Israeli pilots might get killed if Damascus had its hands on more effective missiles. The unit in question is the S-300, a Russian long range surface-to-air missile system, developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles. The system is one the most advanced weapons in its class.

Analyst from I24 news broadcaster Ron Ben-Yishai backs these concerns, saying that the Israel would have to take "cautionary and preventive measures not yet taken so far."

Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff Col. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy said that Russia might consider selling the S-300 systems to Damascus shortly after US-led strikes on April 14.