Israel Conducts Airstrikes on Syrian Military Posts in Southern Syria

The Israeli military has announced that it conducted airstrikes on several military posts belonging to the ousted Ba’ath regime in southern Syria, claiming that these posts posed a threat. In a statement, the Israeli army said it targeted the posts near the summit of Mount Hermon (Sheikh), alleging that they were a strategic threat to Israeli forces.

The Israeli military also warned that it would continue its operations in the region, signaling further potential escalations.

Background of Israeli-Syrian Tensions
The recent airstrikes come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria. Israeli media had previously reported that negotiations were underway between Damascus and Tel Aviv to initiate a “normalization” process. However, these talks reportedly stalled over Syria’s demand for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories and cease attacks, while Israel insisted on maintaining its right to strike in the event of perceived threats.

Escalation of Israeli Attacks on Syria
Following the collapse of the Ba’ath regime in Syria on December 8, 2024, after intensified clashes on November 27, 2024, Israel has increased its military operations in Syria. The Israeli military has targeted remaining military infrastructure and facilities of the ousted regime, while also expanding its occupation of the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory occupied by Israel since 1967.

In recent months, Israeli forces have advanced into the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, pushing as close as 25 kilometers to the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Historical Context
The Golan Heights have been a contentious issue between Israel and Syria since Israel occupied the territory in 1967. The 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces established a buffer zone and demilitarized area, but Israel has continued to expand its control over the region.

Since the fall of the Ba’ath regime, Israel has also conducted airstrikes on former regime military posts in southern Syria, further escalating tensions in the region.