Israel Strikes Syria: 480 Attacks & Territory Seized
Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria, marking a significant escalation in regional conflict. Over the past two days, the Israeli military launched 480 strikes across Syria, targeting key military assets and infrastructure. This offensive includes airstrikes on weapon stockpiles and naval facilities, as well as ground troop advances into areas beyond the long-established demilitarized buffer zone — a move not seen in 50 years.
Defense Minister Israel Katz described the mission as a “great success,” highlighting the destruction of Syria’s naval fleet and other strategic assets. The campaign follows the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a development hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a transformative moment for the Middle East. Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s actions have dealt severe blows to Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, aiming to reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape.
The operation’s scope is unprecedented. Israeli forces struck airfields, missile launch sites, drones, and military production sites in cities such as Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra. The ground offensive targeted military depots, firing positions, and heavy weapons storage areas. Additionally, two Syrian naval bases were hit, with several military vessels reportedly destroyed. Images captured from the port city of Latakia and the Mezzeh Air Base near Damascus revealed extensive damage to naval ships and helicopters.
While Israeli officials maintain that their military presence in Syria is temporary, many Arab states see it as an opportunistic move. The Arab League accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s internal crisis to expand its territorial control. Egypt echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel’s actions “take advantage of the state of fluidity” in Syria.
Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani confirmed that ground forces had moved beyond the buffer zone but denied any intentions to push toward Damascus. Israeli officials claim their objective is to establish a “security zone” clear of heavy weaponry and terrorist infrastructure in southern Syria. Reports suggest that Israeli forces reached as far as Beqaasem, a village near the Mount Hermon foothills, a location of strategic importance at the crossroads of Syria, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights.
This escalation comes after Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized military action to secure the buffer zone between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the rest of Syria. The buffer zone, established in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War, had remained a neutral area until now. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Dannon, assured the Security Council that Israeli troop deployments in Syria were “limited and temporary” and designed to prevent potential threats to Israeli citizens.
The broader implications of this military campaign remain unclear. As Israeli forces continue their operations, regional powers are watching closely, concerned about potential long-term consequences. With key territories seized and military assets neutralized, Israel’s campaign marks a shift in its approach to security, aiming to establish a stronger foothold in a region fraught with uncertainty and instability.
