Israel is ramping up airstrikes in Syria to eliminate military assets, claiming it is vital for national security. Approximately 250 strikes have targeted key facilities, raising concerns about potential chemical weapon use. Israeli officials assert their focus is on strategic threats from Assad’s regime and preventing extremist access to weaponry. The UN has condemned these actions as violations of a ceasefire agreement, while discussions about Syria’s political transition and human rights continue among global leaders.
Israel is intensifying its airstrikes in Syria, aiming to eliminate weapons and military assets. Israeli officials claim this is essential for the safety of their citizens, a stance that has drawn criticism from the United Nations.
The Israeli Defense Forces are capitalizing on the ongoing chaos in Syria by targeting military installations across the border. According to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel has executed approximately 250 airstrikes since the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad. Key military infrastructure has been severely damaged, including research facilities, arms depots, naval vessels, airports, and aircraft.
Following a recent attack on a research site, residents reported a potent odor of gas, raising concerns given Assad’s history of deploying chemical weapons against both civilians and opposition forces during the civil conflict. Additionally, Syrian air defense systems in major cities like Damascus, Homs, Hama, Latakia, and Daraa are said to be nonfunctional due to these strikes. Rami Abdel-Rahman, head of the observatory, described these operations as the “heaviest attacks by Israel in Syria’s history.”
Objectives Behind Israeli Military Actions
In a statement, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that the country has no intention of meddling in Syria’s internal matters. Instead, their focus is on safeguarding Israeli citizens. “Our targets include strategic weapon systems, such as leftover chemical weapons and long-range missiles, to prevent them from falling into extremist hands,” he explained.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked that Israel is “changing the face of the Middle East,” pointing out that Assad’s regime has been a crucial part of Iran’s alleged “axis of evil.” Netanyahu expressed a desire for a “different Syria” that would ultimately benefit both Israel and the Syrian populace. He noted that Israel is re-establishing itself as a significant power in the region, unprecedented in recent decades. Military adjustments have included the expansion of a buffer zone along the occupied Golan Heights and other key areas on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, described as a temporary measure.
This buffer zone is situated between the annexed Golan Heights and Syria, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape.
Iran, having relied heavily on its alliance with Assad, now appears to be in a state of confusion regarding its position.
UN Calls for Action
The United Nations has condemned the Israeli military for breaching a 1974 ceasefire agreement by advancing into the demilitarized buffer zone. Following discussions within the UN Security Council, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated, “The Council is largely united in its commitment to uphold Syria’s territorial integrity, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.”
In a recent phone conversation, US President Joe Biden expressed his “full support for a Syria-led transition process under UN auspices,” aligning with a prior UN resolution. The political transition within Syria is reportedly in progress, with internal management being handled by local entities, as reported by Foreign Policy citing sources connected to the rebel alliance.
The HTS militia has announced plans to release the identities of Assad officials implicated in human rights abuses, particularly torture.
Europe’s Stance on Collaboration
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed their willingness to collaborate with Syria’s new leadership, emphasizing the importance of fundamental human rights and the safeguarding of ethnic and religious minorities. A spokesperson for the German government highlighted the necessity of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
During a visit to Saudi Arabia, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that it is “still too early” to reevaluate the UK government’s position on the HTS, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the UK, the US, and other Western nations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the US commitment to preventing the Islamic State (IS) from re-establishing a foothold in the region, noting that the US has conducted airstrikes on various targets in Syria in recent days.