Unwilling to wait for Trump to deal with his political enemies, Moscow has scoffed and quickly moved to re-align with Iran in Syria. As a result, Tehran's military presence is solidifying across Israel's northern borders, both in Syria and, via its Hezbollah proxy, in Lebanon.

Last night Damascus was hit by two explosions. One, a suicide bombing at an officers' club, killed at least ten. The other happened at the Mezzeh airport. Damascus blames Israel. But, for disturbing reasons revealed by this Israeli intelligence report from DEBKAfile, Israel is an unlikely candidate. Who then? And why? 

The Kuznetzov Group of Russian warships has arrived. Positioned between Crete and the Turkey-Syrian coast, it begins a "major aeronatics exercise" tomorrow. The transparent goals are to rattle like a snake in the face of NATO and, while the US transitions to a new President, maximize military operations in Syria. As Russia's Prime Minister comes to Jerusalem tomorrow, one message to the Jewish State has to be, "buckle up."

What is Putin's assessment of the US accusation that Russia is tampering in its presidential election and, in retaliation, its  cyber, economic and military threats aimed at Moscow? According to Putin, it is an attempt to distract voters. As for sanctions, the US and its allies can "screw themselves."

Today Jerusalem is watching America lead Syria to the worst possible solution for Israel: Assad in power, and Iranians in the Golan Heights.