Janice R. Andrews
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes across Syria while deploying ground troops into a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Israeli warplanes have targeted various Syrian military sites, including suspected chemical weapons facilities and weapons depots, in a series of extensive airstrikes. At the same time, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli naval forces destroyed Syria’s naval fleet on Monday night.
These actions follow the fall of the al-Assad government over the weekend, marking a dramatic escalation in the region. Israeli forces moved into the 400-square-kilometer buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a strip of land established after the 1973 Middle East war. Israel claims the move is necessary to protect its citizens and prevent potential attacks.
Denial of Claims Regarding Troop Movements
Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Beirut-based Mayadeen TV suggested that Israeli forces advanced to within 25 kilometers of Damascus. However, Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani denied these reports, labeling them as “false” and emphasizing that Israeli troops are stationed only within the buffer zone for defensive purposes.
Defense Minister Katz also indicated plans for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, reinforcing Israel’s position in the region.
Golan Heights: “An Eternal Part of Israel”
Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights, declaring that the territory will remain “part of Israel for eternity.” Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in 1981, a move that remains unrecognized internationally, except by the United States.
Global Criticism of Israeli Actions
Israel’s recent actions have sparked condemnation from several regional and international bodies. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia condemned the incursion, accusing Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability and breaching international law.
Turkey, a key supporter of the Syrian opposition, criticized Israel for displaying “an occupier’s mentality” at a time when peace in Syria seemed possible.
The United Nations also voiced concern, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric calling Israel’s incursion a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and urging both Israel and Syria to uphold it.
Destruction of Syrian Military Assets
Reports suggest that Israel’s military operations are aimed at dismantling Syria’s military capabilities to prevent future threats. Israeli media highlighted how airstrikes are targeting arms depots and military assets to ensure that the next Syrian government will need to rebuild from scratch.
Yossi Yehoshua, a military correspondent for Yediot Ahronot, stated that Israeli airstrikes have been systematically destroying Syrian military sites to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile forces. “Dozens of targets, including arms depots, have been hit in waves of attacks,” Yehoshua wrote.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel has carried out over 300 airstrikes since the fall of Assad. The strikes have been aimed at weakening Syria’s military to ensure no assets can be used against Israel in the future.
Regional Consequences
These actions have far-reaching geopolitical consequences, heightening tensions in the region. Israel’s control of the Golan Heights and destruction of military assets across Syria reinforce its security strategy but could further isolate it diplomatically.
As Syria faces a power vacuum after Assad’s fall, Israel’s actions will likely influence the future of the country and its relations with neighboring nations. The international community will closely monitor the situation, urging restraint to avoid further instability in an already volatile region.
