12/10 – International News Story & Update

Promptly following Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting, Israel has announced the establishment of a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the purpose of the zone is to prevent terrorist organizations from gaining a foothold near the Israeli border, following the collapse of Assad’s government.

Katz clarified that this zone would not involve a permanent Israeli presence but would act as a safeguard against security threats.He cautioned Syrian rebels against emulating Assad’s policies, warning that such actions would lead to dire consequences.

Israeli military operations have surged since Assad’s removal, with airstrikes targeting critical Syrian military infrastructure, including chemical weapons facilities, missile systems, and combat aircraft. Israeli media reported that the air force conducted up to 250 strikes over the weekend. [Reuters]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the strikes aimed to dismantle Assad’s remaining military assets to prevent their capture by extremist groups. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position of avoiding interference in Syria’s internal affairs but underscored the need to protect national security.

Additionally, Israeli missile ships targeted the Syrian port of Latakia, destroying several vessels in an operation aimed at crippling Syria’s naval capabilities. Israel’s military also secured positions within the demilitarized buffer zone established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, including areas on Mount Hermon. Despite reports of an advance beyond the buffer zone, Israeli officials denied any significant push toward Damascus.

Regional Condemnation

Israel’s actions have drawn condemnation from several nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. These countries accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability to expand its influence in violation of international law. Turkey, a staunch supporter of the Syrian opposition, described Israel’s incursion as “occupational,” warning that such actions jeopardize emerging prospects for peace in the region.

Amid these developments, Israeli officials maintained that their primary objective was to ensure border security and counter threats posed by extremist factions. While welcoming Assad’s departure, Netanyahu expressed caution about engaging with Syria’s leading rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), due to its ties to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Nevertheless, he expressed openness to establishing relations with Syria’s new government, provided it refrains from facilitating the transfer of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah or engaging in hostilities against Israel.