Israel Intensifies Air Strikes Across Syria Amid Regional Unrest
Israeli airstrikes have reportedly escalated across Syria, with Syrian state media and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claiming dozens of attacks have occurred in recent days. The strikes targeted multiple sites, including Damascus and military installations, in what SOHR describes as one of the most intense campaigns in years.
Strikes Target Key Facilities
Among the sites hit was a research center suspected of being tied to chemical weapon development, according to local sources. SOHR reports suggest over 100 strikes have focused on military targets, including facilities linked to Iranian-backed groups and rocket development programs.
Israel’s military has justified these operations as preemptive measures to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into extremist hands. This comes amidst the dramatic overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has left the nation in a volatile power vacuum.
Chemical Weapons Concerns Resurface
The situation has drawn the attention of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which has urged Syria to secure any remaining chemical weapon stockpiles. Despite Syria’s 2013 commitment to eliminate these weapons, allegations of their use have persisted. The OPCW previously oversaw the destruction of 1,300 tonnes of declared chemical agents, yet attacks involving such weapons reportedly continued during the Syrian civil war.
Rebel Takeover and Regional Repercussions
The recent rebel capture of Damascus has significantly shifted the region’s dynamics. Forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist opposition group, declared Syria “liberated” following Assad’s removal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Assad’s downfall as a “historic day,” expressing cautious optimism for potential peaceful relations with Syria’s new leadership.
However, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s readiness to defend its borders. Israeli troops temporarily entered the demilitarized buffer zone near the Golan Heights, a region with longstanding strategic and territorial significance. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would destroy “heavy strategic weapons,” including missile systems, to safeguard its security.
The Golan Heights: A Tense Flashpoint
The Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and unilaterally annexed in 1981, has become a focal point in this crisis. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani has familial ties to the region, heightening tensions. The area hosts thousands of Druze residents alongside Israeli settlers, making it a contentious and sensitive zone.
Rising Strikes Amid Broader Conflict
Israeli airstrikes have intensified since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. These operations appear to be a response to cross-border attacks by Hezbollah and other groups from Lebanon and Syria. Recent strikes reportedly targeted a weapons depot near Palmyra, killing dozens of fighters linked to Iran-backed militias.
A Region on Edge
The power shift in Syria has added another layer of complexity to an already unstable region. While Israel expresses hope for peaceful relations with Syria’s emerging leadership, its actions reflect the challenges of balancing defense with diplomacy. As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability remain uncertain.
