Israel said Tuesday that it destroyed most of Syria’s strategic weapons stockpiles in a series of airstrikes, as Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans for a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria. Katz emphasized that the proposed zone would be enforced without a permanent Israeli troop presence.
Over the past 48 hours, the Israeli military conducted more than 350 airstrikes targeting anti-aircraft batteries, military airfields, weapons production facilities, combat aircraft, and missile systems across Syria. The strikes followed the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, which Israeli officials attributed to rebel groups, some linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Naval missile strikes also targeted Syria’s Al-Bayda and Latakia ports, destroying 15 Syrian naval vessels. A military spokesperson said the operations aimed to eliminate strategic weapons and infrastructure to prevent their use by extremist factions.
“We have no intention of interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, but we will take necessary steps to ensure our security,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding that he authorized the air force to prevent military capabilities left by Assad’s regime from falling into the hands of jihadist groups.
Following Assad’s departure on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into the demilitarized zone established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. This included the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, where Israeli troops reportedly took control of an abandoned military outpost.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied reports of advancing toward Damascus, despite a Syrian source claiming Israeli troops reached Qatana, near Damascus International Airport. “IDF forces are not advancing toward Damascus. This is not something we are doing or pursuing in any way,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson.
Temporary Border Measures
Israel described its actions in Syria as a temporary and limited measure to safeguard border security. The strikes occurred shortly after Israel reached a ceasefire with Lebanon following weeks of clashes with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.
The airstrikes targeted sites in key cities, including Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra, destroying Scud missiles, cruise missiles, drones, launchers, and sea-to-sea missiles. Military airfields, tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets were also hit.
Despite the strategic setbacks for Iran, Israel remains cautious about Syria’s leading rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has ties to Islamist movements such as al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Katz provided no details on the scope of the planned “sterile defense zone” but said it would ensure that weapons are not transferred to Hezbollah or used against Israel. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would “respond forcefully” to any attacks or the movement of Iranian weapons through Syria.
reuters
