The widespread assumption that Israel would win another Middle East war hands down is not shared by the men who ought to know best - the commanders of the Israeli army. Back in May, right after taking over as the Israeli defense force's new chief of staff, Gen. Rafael Eitan - one of the toughest and most plain speaking soldiers in the army - stated in an interview with army radio that the greatest threat to Israel now comes from the Arab eastern front of Jordan, Syria and Iraq, backed by Saudi Arabia. He said that Syria is now stronger than it was in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, while the Iraqi army, also built up with Russian assistance, is even stronger. The Jordan army is also undergoing a massive buildup while Saudi Arabia's military potential "is, in fact, unlimited."
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