Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting weapons depots and air defenses in Syria, amidst concerns of military assets falling into extremist hands following recent rebel victories. Over 450 strikes have been reported since the collapse of the Assad regime, aimed at preventing threats to Israeli national security. Israel insists that its actions are defensive, despite international calls for respect of Syria’s sovereignty.
The Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Syrian military assets, targeting various weapons depots and air defense systems, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Following the recent takeover by rebel forces, Israel aims to ensure that military resources do not fall into the hands of extremist groups. This campaign has reportedly resulted in 75 strikes, adding to over 450 airstrikes carried out by Israel since the fall of the Assad regime, focusing on strategic locations including bases near Damascus, Hama, and Homs.
These military operations underscore Israel’s ongoing concerns regarding instability in Syria following the collapse of the Assad government. The Israeli military has occupied areas in Syria in a bid to maintain security and prevent extremist groups from gaining power in the region. Although Israeli officials insist their actions are purely defensive, the international community, including neighboring Arab nations and France, have urged for respect of Syria’s sovereignty and withdrawal from occupied territories.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, emphasized that the country is not meddling in Syria’s affairs but is taking necessary measures to shield its borders from potential threats. He remarked, “We are not intervening in what is happening in Syria. We have no intention of managing Syria. We are unequivocally intervening in what determines the security of Israeli citizens here.” The airstrikes, which lasted for several hours, have drawn international scrutiny amid fears of a power vacuum that may empower terrorist factions in the region.
The geopolitical landscape in Syria has become increasingly complex following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, with various rebel factions vying for power. The newly formed coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has raised alarms among neighboring countries, particularly Israel, about the potential resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS. Israel has historically viewed its neighbor as a significant threat, especially amid rumors that military hardware could be acquired by hostile entities. Therefore, Israel’s recent airstrikes represent a continuation of its security strategy in a rapidly changing Middle Eastern context.
In summary, the recent Israeli airstrikes against Syrian military installations reflect Israel’s strategic focus on maintaining regional stability and safeguarding its borders from extremist influences. As the Syrian conflict evolves with the recent change in leadership, Israel remains concerned over the implications of a power vacuum and the potential resurgence of terrorist factions, underscoring the importance of its military operations in ensuring national security.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
