In brief
Summary: Israel's recent airstrikes on Syria’s coast, reported as the most forceful since 2012, aim to eliminate military threats after the ousting of the Assad regime, while rebel leadership calls for diplomatic stability amidst the chaos.
In a notable escalation, Israel conducted a wave of heavy airstrikes targeting Syria’s coastal region overnight, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. These strikes were part of Israel's ongoing operations to disable Syrian military capabilities in the wake of recent shifts in power following the rebels’ takeover. The strikes particularly focused on former Syrian army positions, including missile warehouses and air defense systems. The attacks, described as the most violent in the area since 2012, included 18 consecutive strikes that resulted in secondary explosions, highlighting the intensity of the assault. Earlier in the day, an additional strike was reported at Deir al-Zour’s military airport, further invading Syria's military space. While the Israeli military did not officially comment on these specific operations, it has maintained that its campaign is aimed at preventing extremist forces from gaining access to vital military equipment.Over the years, Israel has executed over 450 strikes in Syria, dismantling numerous air bases and military facilities as tensions escalate. In conjunction with the airstrikes, the Israeli government approved plans to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a territory it has occupied since 1967, citing the emergence of a new threat along its border with Syria.Ahmed al-Shara, leader of the coalition governing Syria following the Assad regime's fall, criticized Israel's actions as a pretext for territorial takeover. Despite the ongoing military challenges, he emphasized Syria's need for stability and reconstruction, advocating for diplomatic rather than combat solutions to avoid further destruction.
