Israel conducts strikes in southern Syria amid calls for withdrawal

Israel has confirmed that it is actively conducting military strikes in southern Syria, responding to the new Syrian government’s calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that Israel will not permit southern Syria to become a base for hostile forces, likening the situation to southern Lebanon. Israeli military actions are focused on preventing the Syrian regime and terrorist organizations from establishing a presence in the security zone of southern Syria, which is an area of strategic importance for Israel's national security. Israeli strikes were reported near Damascus, following declarations made by the Syrian government condemning the Israeli presence as a violation of its sovereignty. Israeli officials have emphasized the necessity of these operations to safeguard their citizens from potential threats emanating from Syria. Katz mentioned that the Israeli Air Force is now intensifying its attacks as part of a defined strategy aimed at pacifying southern Syria, reiterating Israel's commitment to ensuring its security. The backdrop of these military actions is rooted in the ongoing instability in Syria, particularly after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. Since that time, Israeli forces have occupied a demilitarized buffer zone along the border with Syria, aiming to deter aggression from the Syrian regime and insurgent groups that might threaten Israeli communities. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israeli forces will likely remain in this buffer zone for an extended period. Moreover, the Israeli military presence extends to southern Lebanon, where Katz mentioned that IDF troops will stay beyond the agreed-upon deadline in order to maintain security against threats from Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon. The dual military operations showcase Israel's proactive approach to managing both its borders and the broader regional dynamics that pose challenges to its national security, particularly from neighboring Syria and Lebanon.