Israel launched multiple airstrikes in southern Syria late Tuesday, targeting military sites and sparking tensions with the country’s newly formed government. The strikes came after warnings from Israeli officials not to move south of Damascus, threatening that Israel will not allow southern Syria to become a threat like Lebanon.
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the airstrikes, warning that any attempt by Syrian regime forces or terrorist organizations to establish themselves in the security zone would be met with force. This comes as the new Syrian government, still building its army after 14 years of civil war, struggles to maintain control over disparate militias.
The strikes follow a recent increase in tensions between Israel and Syria, with both countries accusing each other of aggression. Prior to the fall of Assad, Israel primarily targeted Iranian forces and weapons transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Israel remains suspicious of Syria’s new rulers, labeling them a “jihadist, Islamist terror group”.
The airstrikes are part of an ongoing attempt by Israel to maintain control over its security zone with Syria, which was established after the fall of Assad in December last year.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/25/israel-strikes-targets-in-southern-syria-after-demanding-demilitarisation