Israel strikes Syria and advances ground forces as Netanyahu vows to ‘redefine’ Middle East

The sudden collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has triggered a forceful military response from Israel, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

For the first time in 50 years, Israeli ground troops have moved beyond the demilitarized buffer zone into Syrian territory, while airstrikes targeted key military installations across the country.

Netanyahu: “A New Chapter”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the developments during a rare press conference, calling the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government “a new and dramatic chapter.” He credited Israel’s military campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran for destabilizing the axis of regional threats. “We are changing the face of the Middle East,” Netanyahu declared.

Targeting Chemical Weapons and Missiles

Israeli officials expressed both relief and caution over the fall of Assad, a staunch ally of Iran. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed strikes on Syrian facilities housing chemical weapons and long-range missiles, aiming to prevent these from falling into the hands of extremist groups. “It’s crucial to act decisively in the interest of Israel’s security,” he stated.

Fierce Bombardments Rock Damascus

Explosions shook Damascus early Tuesday as Israel continued its most intense bombing campaign in 15 years. Syrian activist group Voice of the Capital reported the destruction of military helicopters at Mezzeh Air Base, while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the navy had destroyed Syria’s naval fleet overnight, calling it “a great success.”

Ground Troops Advance “Beyond the Buffer Zone”

Israeli forces have moved into Syrian territory, with reports suggesting advancements as far as Beqaasem, 25 kilometers from Damascus. While Israel’s military insists its actions are temporary and defensive, critics argue these maneuvers amount to a land grab. The Arab League and Egypt accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability to expand its territorial control.

Strategic Seizure of Mount Hermon

In a notable move, Israeli forces captured Mount Hermon, a strategic high point near the borders of Syria, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights. The area, once part of a demilitarized buffer zone established in 1974, has now become a focal point of Israeli operations.

Uncertainty Ahead

Israeli officials remain tight-lipped about how far their forces will advance or how long they will remain in Syria. A letter to the United Nations described these deployments as “limited and temporary measures” to protect Israeli citizens.

As the situation develops, the power vacuum in Syria raises urgent questions about the region’s future stability and the broader implications of Israel’s unprecedented actions.