If Israel is forced to confront Iran in Syria over Russian objection, then the Russians are going to lose a LOT of money in sales, because the Israelis are going to pick apart the entirety of their air defense system - radars, communications and missiles - rendering them as useless against the IAF’s aircraft as sling shots.
I think that the Russians know this, and that this is why the 2 countries have been staying out of each others’ way for a while in Syria. Russia may be stronger (esp. when counting its nukes), but not right next door to Israel.
Thanks Ancesthntr, nice analysis. And as allendale said, Bibi won't leave office until the Iranian threat is extinguished, even if that means beheading the mullahcracy in its "homeland" (it's a foreign occupier of Iran anyway). Putin set up a triumvirat with Turkey and Iran (and ignoring the wishes of the failed puppet Assad regime) in order to counterbalance Iran and Iranian influence over Syria. But he's stuck in Syria, like a mouse in a sticky trap, and short of an ignominious unconditional retreat, there is no end game. Still was brilliant to align with an old traditional rival/foe, Turkey, but Syria will be Putin's funeral.
Ancesthntr: If Israel is forced to confront Iran in Syria over Russian objection, then the Russians are going to lose a LOT of money in sales, because the Israelis are going to pick apart the entirety of their air defense system - radars, communications and missiles - rendering them as useless against the IAF’s aircraft as sling shots.