Israel’s military captured territory on the Syrian side of the border in the Golan Heights, marking the first time since the 1973 war. The operation was carried out with advance notice to the US and is expected to last only a few days to weeks until security stabilizes.
The capture comes after rebel groups attacked UNDOF positions along the buffer zone in recent days. Israel assisted the UN Observer Force in repelling the attacks, and warned several rebel factions, including HTS, against violating the truce agreement.
Israeli forces took control of Mount Hermon, a strategic Syrian military outpost, and conducted dozens of air strikes against Syrian military bases, facilities, and weapon depots. The strikes targeted air defense systems, artillery batteries, and facilities connected to Syria’s chemical program.
Israel denies plans to permanently occupy parts of Syria, stating the deployment is temporary to stabilize the situation until the intentions of new key players become clearer. Israeli leaders visited the border on Sunday to assess the situation.
The rapid advance of rebels has startled Israel and raised concerns about a possible collapse of the Syrian Army. The fall of Damascus now seems plausible, with several factions closing in on the city.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/08/syria-israel-golan-heights-assad