The combined assault by the Assad regime and the Russian air force are gradually pushing the rebels out of southern Syria and causing tens of thousands of refugees to flee toward the borders of neighboring Jordan and Israel. At the same time, the assault presents Israel with a new test: how to maintain the red lines it has set for its defense without being dragged into direct conflict with the Syrian regime.

And no less important – how do to this without clashing with Russia, with which Israel has greatly strengthened ties over the past few months and regards as an ally in fulfilling its key goal, distancing Iran and the Shi’ite militias from the border on the Golan Heights.

At the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defined Israel’s goals in light of the Syrian army’s progress in the south. Israel, he said, would continue to protect its borders, provide as much humanitarian assistance as it can to refugees arriving near the border (but would not let them enter the country) and would demand strict adherence to the 1974 post-Yom Kippur War separation of forces agreement.

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