Israel has intensified airstrikes in Syria following the Assad regime’s decline, prompting debate over their defensive nature. Military operations aim to counter threats from chaos in Syria and disrupt Iranian supply lines to Hezbollah. Regional nations and the UN have condemned these actions, citing international law violations. Analysts suggest this military escalation is a response to vulnerabilities exposed on October 7. The future of Israel-Syria relations remains uncertain, with potential for dialogue mediated by regional powers.
Israel’s Ongoing Airstrikes in Syria: A Defensive Strategy?
In the aftermath of the Assad regime’s collapse in Syria, Israel has ramped up its airstrikes, leading many to question whether these actions are purely defensive. An expert suggests that the recent developments are also linked to the events of October 7.
Images released by the Israeli military depict armed soldiers navigating hilly terrains and jeeps traversing areas fenced off with barbed wire, indicating a notable presence on Syrian soil. On Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force launched additional attacks within Syria. However, a military spokesperson refuted claims of deeper troop incursions, clarifying that Israeli forces remain approximately 25 kilometers from Damascus, operating solely within the designated buffer zone on the Golan Heights.
Strategic Military Operations and Regional Reactions
The demilitarized zone between Syria and the Golan Heights, which Israel has annexed, was established by the United Nations following the Middle East conflict 50 years ago. Following the recent upheaval against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Israeli troops have been deployed in this area, described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a temporary measure.
Since the regime’s downfall, Israel has significantly increased its military operations against targets within Syria. According to Eyal Zisser, a political scientist and expert in Syrian affairs at Tel Aviv University, these actions are a preventive maneuver against potential threats emerging from the chaos in Syria, particularly from Islamist groups. He emphasizes that Israel is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
Israel’s military actions are framed as defensive, yet they also serve to undermine Iranian supply lines to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israeli forces have been actively targeting strategic assets deemed a threat to national security, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the establishment of defense zones.
Regional neighbors, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have publicly condemned Israel’s military actions, citing violations of international law. The United Nations has also expressed concern, with Special Envoy Geir Pedersen urging an immediate halt to Israeli military operations on Syrian territory. Reports indicate that over 350 targets have been engaged by Israeli forces, focusing on the destruction of weapons and military stockpiles within Syria.
Political analyst Zisser suggests that the heightened military activity is a response to the shock experienced during the October 7 events, where Israel found itself unprepared. This has led to an increased emphasis on security and the occupation of the buffer zone, which is viewed as a logical step towards ensuring safety.
In light of the potential risks associated with Assad’s arsenal falling into extremist hands, Israeli forces have targeted sites containing chemical weapons. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar noted the importance of preventing these materials from being accessed by radicals. Furthermore, Defense Minister Katz reported that significant operations have been carried out against the Syrian military fleet overnight.
As the situation in Syria remains uncertain, Zisser highlights the complexities of governance under the Islamist rebel leader Muhammed al-Jolani, who now faces the challenge of unifying the country beyond Idlib province. The future relationship between Syria and Israel is unclear, especially given the previous stability under Assad’s regime, despite his lack of genuine partnership.
Looking ahead, Zisser sees potential for future communication between Israel and Syria, possibly facilitated by regional powers like Turkey or Saudi Arabia. He acknowledges that while improved relations may be possible, lasting peace is still a significant distance away.