What's happened
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has intensified military operations in Syria, including airstrikes and ground raids near Damascus and the Golan Heights. Recent actions involve airborne landings, targeted strikes on military sites, and detention of suspects, amid ongoing US-mediated talks and regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation in Israeli military activity in Syria reflects a strategic shift towards more aggressive operations, including airborne landings and targeted strikes. These actions serve multiple purposes: deterring Iranian influence, disrupting weapons transfers, and asserting Israeli dominance in the region. The use of ground raids, particularly the airborne operation near Jabal Manea, indicates a move towards more direct and risky military interventions. Syria's vehement condemnations highlight the ongoing diplomatic and military tensions, with Damascus viewing these incursions as violations of sovereignty and threats to regional stability. The US-mediated talks suggest a potential diplomatic avenue, but the increasing operational tempo signals that Israel prioritizes security concerns over negotiations. The broader regional context, including the conflict in Gaza and tensions with Lebanon, amplifies the risk of wider escalation. The next few weeks will likely see continued military activity, with the possibility of further ground operations and diplomatic friction escalating into broader conflict if de-escalation efforts fail.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports detailed ground and air operations, including the raid on Jabata al-Khashab and recent strikes near Damascus, emphasizing Israel's ongoing military campaign since Assad's fall. The Times of Israel corroborates the use of helicopters and ground troops, highlighting the significance of the first airborne raid since December 2024, and notes Syria's condemnation of these incursions. Bloomberg briefly confirms the strikes near Al-Kiswah, adding to the pattern of escalating military actions. Al Jazeera provides visual evidence of the Israeli aircraft and ground operation, emphasizing the use of helicopters and the absence of clashes, while also noting Syria's accusations of expansionist aims. The sources collectively portray a picture of increased Israeli military assertiveness, with a focus on strategic targets and regional security concerns, amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
How we got here
Following Assad's overthrow in December 2024, Israel has expanded its military presence in southern Syria, occupying parts of a UN-patrolled buffer zone and conducting frequent strikes targeting military assets linked to Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah. These actions are driven by Israel's security concerns and regional tensions, with ongoing US-mediated negotiations aiming to ease border conflicts and establish security arrangements.
Go deeper
Common question
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What was the purpose of Israel’s raid near Damascus?
Recently, Israel conducted a significant airborne operation near Damascus, targeting a site believed to house Hezbollah weapons. This marks the deepest Israeli incursion into Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Many are asking: what was Israel aiming to achieve with this raid, and what does it mean for regional stability? Below, we explore the details of the operation and its potential implications.
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Why Is Israel Increasing Military Strikes in Syria Now?
Recent escalations in Israeli military actions in Syria have raised many questions about the motives, regional implications, and international involvement. With airstrikes, ground raids, and increased military presence near Damascus and the Golan Heights, understanding the reasons behind these actions is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this escalation and what it means for regional stability and global diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Damascus; Arabic: دمشق, romanized: Dimašq, Syrian Arabic: is the capital of Syria; it is also the country's largest city, following the decline in population of Aleppo due to the battle for the city.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.