The Noise of Tanks -- the Sound of Security

Israeli Army War Games use Tanks, Helicopters and Drones

Citizens in towns and villages in Judea northeast of Jerusalem including the people of the area's largest city, Maale Adumim, listened to the familiar sound of tank fire albeit far more intense fire than usual and noticed the not so frequently seen  helicopter  flying overhead.  Area residents are used to hearing some tank fire occasionally, but not this intensely.   It was clear that there must be intensive training in the nearby hills.  Thousands of soldiers were involved in the war games they were hearing.

It's not news to any Israeli that Hezbollah fired anti-tank missiles which demolished tanks and killed many Israeli tank crew members during the second Lebanon war.  It is also not news that Israel could have prevented most if not all of the casualties had it not badly underestimated the capabilities of the Hezbollah terrorists who were not only well-armed but had been formed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards into a well-trained guerilla force.  

 There is a headline everyday in nearly every type of media each quoting a different military or civilian intelligence source warning that war with Syria is nearly inevitable mid-summer 2007.  It's not clear who exactly they are trying to prepare psychologically:  the politicians or the public, but it's very clear that they intend the army to be prepared.  Recently the IDF has continued to be on heightened alert in the North to be ready in the event that Syria springs a surprise attack.   Even some Israeli Rabbis have begun warning their congregations, telling them to be ready  with extra  food and emergency supplies.  Given the probability of that the Syrians will send in ground troops with and without tank support while firing long-range missiles at targets the length and breadth of Israel, most civilians will be in harm's way.  Fortunately, the last war has at last awakened the mid-country cosmopolitan population from its complacency.

A change of strategy has come about since the end of the last war when, stating that the tanks were no longer suited to modern warfare, the Chief of Staff even declaring that the army would discontinue manufacture and development of the Merkava MK4!  Israeli's can be grateful that sounder minds have prevailed.

Merkava MK4

In addition, the IDF is finally planning to purchase Rafael's  "Trophy"  protection systems in order to provide a defense against the advanced  antitank missiles that proved so disasterous to IDF tanks during the last Lebanese war.  The problem is that the IDF is planning to acquire them "by the end of the year".  The Army brass could find themselves once again behind the time line. The Syrians certainly aren't going to bide their time until Israel gives the ok!!

Meanwhile, Syria has been building up stores of ammunition, food and supplies not far from the Israeli border. While there are as yet no tanks stationed right at the border and no battalions camped nearby, it would take very little time for them to get there and the logistics are ready.  In speeches and in pronouncements to visiting dignitaries, Syrian leaders are making it clear that they intend to take the Golan Heights.

It is also clear that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is taking his cue from Hezbollah and his armaments, training and encouragement from Iran.

So, while the sound of tanks and helicopters might be frightening in most places and times, to Israelis at this time in history, it's a kind of music to the ears that brings comfort to the heart -- the sound of security.