Israel has confirmed conducting airstrikes in southern Syria amid calls for the full withdrawal of its forces from Syrian territory. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli Air Force is “now attacking strongly” in the region, citing a need to prevent the establishment of security threats.
The strikes come after Syrian state media reported aircraft attacks near Damascus. The new Syrian government has demanded an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces, condemning their presence as a “flagrant violation of sovereignty.” Israel’s president, Benjamin Netanyahu, previously vowed to maintain a buffer zone in southern Syria to prevent the entry of Syria’s new army or rebel groups.
The buffer zone, which separates the Golan Heights from Syria, has been occupied by Israeli forces since December 2024. Katz also mentioned that IDF troops will remain in some areas of southern Lebanon beyond the deadline for total withdrawal, citing a need to protect Israeli communities and deter threats from Lebanon.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/israel-conducting-strikes-southern-syria/story?id=119183725