Russia tightens restrictions on Israeli flights over Syria

A Russian military expert reported Tuesday that the new Russian air defense S-300 systems in Syria will impede Israeli Air Force flights, including reconnaissance operations. Alexander Mikhailov, chief of the Russian Bureau of Military-Political Analysis noted. The S-300’s deployment means that Israeli pilots flying over Syria “will know they are on Russian radars.” He went on to say: “I believe that the Israeli leadership will display common sense not to repeat such incidents [as the IL.20 crash] and to stay out of the areas where our systems are turned on.” DEBKAfile’s military sources: This is Russia’s first keep out of Syria sign for Israeli air flights accompanied with a warning in case they continue.