Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syria overnight. The attacks targeted numerous military sites across the country. This occurred despite a statement from the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Al-Jolani claimed that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was not looking for conflict with Israel.
Background on Tensions
The airstrikes followed statements from Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz. He mentioned that Israeli troops would remain on Mount Hermon throughout the winter. Israel had recently seized the Golan Heights buffer zone with Syria. Katz’s office underscored the significant security implications of holding onto this peak, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Syria.
In his address to the media, al-Jolani—whose real name is Ahmed al-Sharaa—stated that Syria had no interest in conflict with Israel. He pointed out that Iranian forces had allegedly departed from Syria. Al-Jolani accused Israel of using false justification for its military actions in the country. He maintained that Syria’s focus was on reconstruction and stability rather than entering into new conflicts. Furthermore, al-Jolani condemned Israel’s military interventions as unjustified. He warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region.
The Airstrikes in Detail
The airstrikes took place on Saturday evening. Israel launched 61 missiles at various military sites within Syria. Targets included military bases, weapons depots, and facilities linked to the Assad regime’s missile and chemical weapons program. The strikes also hit Syria’s modest naval force in Latakia’s port. These aggressive actions have raised concerns among international diplomats. Many fear that Israel’s military campaign could lead to an extended occupation of Syrian territory.
Calls from the United Nations
The United Nations has responded to these developments. They have called for Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone. This zone exists between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his serious concern regarding Israel’s violations of Syria’s sovereignty. Countries such as France, Germany, and Spain have joined in urging Israel to pull back from the demilitarized zone. Israel, however, has rejected these calls. Israeli officials argue that the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria, which established the buffer zone, has effectively “collapsed” after the Assad regime weakened.
Israeli Military Justifications
In response to al-Jolani’s remarks, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, made a statement. He emphasized that Israel was not intervening in Syria’s internal issues. Instead, Israel’s main focus is to secure its borders. Halevi noted that the collapse of the Syrian army has created a security vacuum. This vacuum could potentially be filled by terrorist organizations. Therefore, Israel’s military presence along the border aims to prevent this threat from encroaching on Israeli territory. Halevi reiterated that Israel’s actions stemmed from a need to protect its citizens and deter extreme terrorism.
Scope of the Airstrikes
The Israeli airstrikes targeted a broad array of sites. They included military headquarters, Syrian army positions, radar systems, weapons caches, and facilities belonging to the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center. This center is involved in developing advanced weaponry for the Syrian military. Israel claims to have significantly damaged Syria’s air force infrastructure and destroyed several aircraft.
The sheer scale of these air raids surprised many in Western capitals. Analysts had anticipated that Israel’s strikes would be more contained. They expected a focus primarily on chemical weapons and missile sites rather than a comprehensive campaign aimed at degrading Syria’s military capabilities.
Diplomatic Efforts in the Region
As these military actions unfold, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is active in the region. He has been meeting with leaders from Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq. The goal of these talks is to shape the future of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. Blinken has highlighted the extensive consequences of the ongoing conflict in Syria. These include widespread displacement and the spread of terrorism.
In addition, Blinken confirmed that the Biden administration has been in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Although he did not share specific details about these discussions, he stressed the importance of maintaining communication. He noted that understanding HTS’s conduct is critical during the transitional period after Bashar al-Assad’s rule.