Russia has begun a significant process of evacuating its military forces from Syria, including advanced weapons systems such as the S-400 air defense batteries, which for years have posed a potential threat to the Israeli Air Force's activity in the region.
The evacuation is being carried out as part of a reorganization of the Russian presence in the region, against the backdrop of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus.
In recent weeks, Russian cargo planes have moved air defense systems, including radars and interception systems, from Russian bases in Syria to bases in eastern Libya. U.S. and Libyan officials have confirmed that these systems are designed to strengthen the forces of Khalifa Haftar, a military leader backed by Moscow.
In addition to air defense systems, Russia has reduced its military presence in Syria, with the evacuation of troops, planes, and weapons. For years, the Russian presence has been a pillar of Moscow's strategy in the Middle East, with its bases being used to distribute weapons and manpower to countries in the region.
The S-400 systems, known for their long interception range and advanced technological capabilities, were a significant obstacle for the Israeli Air Force, which operated against Iranian targets and their proxies in Syria. The presence of the systems has created restrictions on Israel's freedom of air action.
Now, with the evacuation of the systems, Israel may enjoy greater operational freedom, mainly in attacks against Iranian targets and in efforts to thwart arms smuggling to Hezbollah. This is the removal of a major threat that will enable the Israeli Air Force to expand its range of operations in Syria.
However, the move also indicates Russia's intention to maintain a military presence elsewhere, such as Libya, where part of the force evacuated from Syria is now concentrated. The transfer of the systems to Libya may be an attempt by Moscow to continue to exert influence in the Mediterranean region, although not as strongly as it was in Syria.
The massive evacuation from Syria could be a game-changer for the region. The Israeli Air Force now enjoys greater freedom of action, but new developments must be closely monitored, especially in eastern Libya, where Russian activity is focused.
* Channel 14 contributed to this article.
