Israel has intensified its military campaign in Syria following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, launching a series of airstrikes and ground operations that have dramatically shifted the region's security dynamics. Over the past 48 hours, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported carrying out approximately 480 strikes, targeting airfields, missile systems, chemical weapons facilities, and other strategic assets across Syria. The campaign also included naval strikes that decimated much of Syria's fleet.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operations as a "new and dramatic chapter," connecting Assad's downfall to Israeli efforts against Iran and its regional allies. "The collapse of the Syrian regime is a direct result of the severe blows with which we have struck Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran," Netanyahu said during a press conference. "We are changing the face of the Middle East." Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, calling the destruction of the Syrian naval fleet a "great success."
For the first time in 50 years, Israeli ground forces crossed into Syrian territory beyond the demilitarized buffer zone established after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli troops seized key positions, including Mount Hermon, a strategically vital location that provides a commanding view of southern Syria and Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani confirmed that troops had advanced into Syrian territory but denied plans to approach Damascus, emphasizing that the military's sole focus was on securing Israel's borders.
The decision to push beyond the buffer zone has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Egypt and Saudi Arabia accused Israel of exploiting Syria's instability to expand its territory, while Turkey condemned the actions as violations of international law. The Arab League echoed these concerns, accusing Israel of using the chaos in Syria for territorial gains.
Israeli officials defended their actions as necessary for national security. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the strikes targeted facilities housing chemical weapons and advanced missile systems to prevent them from falling into the hands of extremists. He stressed that the operations were critical to ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens and maintaining stability in the region.
The strikes have also targeted supply routes used by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, further underscoring Israel's determination to counter Iranian influence in the region. The operations come amid heightened concerns about the potential for Iran to rebuild its foothold in Syria following the collapse of its key ally, the Assad regime.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the Israeli operations, describing them as violations of the 1974 agreement that established the demilitarized zone. A UN spokesperson warned that Israel's actions could set a dangerous precedent and urged all parties to respect Syria's territorial integrity. The United States, while closely monitoring the situation, has distanced itself from the operations. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that U.S. forces were not involved and described Israel's measures as temporary and focused solely on security.
The collapse of the Assad regime has created a power vacuum, raising fears about the emergence of extremist groups and further destabilization in the region. Israel's aggressive military actions highlight its determination to eliminate threats from Iranian proxies and secure its borders. However, the incursions risk escalating tensions with neighboring countries and complicating efforts to stabilize Syria.
As Israel consolidates its military gains, the international community remains watchful of the long-term implications of these actions.
