Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, deploying troops into the buffer zone and launching widespread airstrikes on Syrian territory. The escalation, which Israeli officials describe as “proactive forward defense,” has sparked outrage from Arab nations, the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), and international organizations.
The Israeli army announced the deployment of four brigade combat teams, including infantry, commandos, engineers, and reconnaissance units, in the buffer zone near the Syrian border. The forces, operating under Division 210, are tasked with securing the area against “threats and observed terrorist targets.”
During operations in the buffer zone, Israeli troops confiscated Syrian military equipment, including unused tanks, mines, anti-tank missiles, and other armaments. Israeli forces also conducted combing missions on Mount Hermon, seizing a former Syrian army site stocked with explosives and advanced weaponry. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that troops would remain on Mount Hermon throughout the winter, signaling a prolonged military presence in the region.
Concurrently, the Israeli Air Force has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on strategic military sites across Syria, including Damascus, Latakia, Homs, and Quneitra. The Israeli army claimed that these strikes destroyed over 90% of Syria’s air defense systems and other strategic weaponry, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and radars.
Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the actions, emphasizing that Israel’s goal is to prevent advanced military capabilities left by the Assad regime from falling into the hands of “jihadists.” Netanyahu also expressed interest in establishing relations with Syria’s new government, stating, “We have no intention of interfering in its internal affairs, but we will do what is necessary to ensure our security.”
Syria’s newly established STG has condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of sovereignty and international law. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, Syrian Permanent Representative Qusay Dahhak called for “firm and immediate” measures to halt Israel’s attacks and withdraw its forces from Syrian territory.
“The Israeli occupation army has penetrated additional areas of Syrian territory… targeting civilian and military sites in a flagrant violation of international law,” Dahhak stated. He urged the UN to ensure compliance with the 1974 disengagement agreement, which Israel declared collapsed following Assad’s ouster.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the Command of Military Operations (CMO) spoke about Israeli actions saying, “The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines in Syria which threatens an unjustified escalation in the region. Their arguments have become weak and do not justify recent violations.”
The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, criticized Israel for undermining the country’s stability during a critical transitional period. “These attacks threaten the peace of the region and deepen Syria’s wounds,” the group said, calling on the UN to take immediate action. Al-Sharaa also urged the international community to intervene and assume responsibility for Israel’s actions in Syria.
Arab countries issued a joint resolution condemning Israel’s incursion into the buffer zone, labeling it a breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement. They called on Israel to withdraw from occupied territories and respect Syrian sovereignty.
Despite the international outcry, Israeli officials have signaled their intent to maintain their current operations. The army released video recordings showing captured Syrian military sites and claimed their actions are essential to neutralizing “potential threats.”
Israel’s expanded operations in Syria come amid broader regional instability. The fall of the Assad regime has disrupted the geopolitical landscape. However, critics argue that Israel’s actions risk further destabilizing the region. “While Syrians are yearning for peace and security, Israel is launching attacks that undermine their dream of building a free, stable state,” the Syrian Civil Defense said.
As tensions escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to mediate and address Israel’s occupation and strikes in Syria, which threaten to exacerbate the already volatile Middle East.
