The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the fighter jets struck military infrastructure and mortars belonging to the Syrian army. It is said to have been in response to Tuesday’s shooting.
A military spokesman told the AFP news agency that the strikes were carried out on Syrian territory.
There are growing fears that Israel’s war with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas will wreak havoc across the region and further inflame tensions between Israel and Syria, as well as between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah.
The war began when Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people. people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 220 hostages.
In response to the attack, the Jewish state launched a bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, where entire city blocks were razed to the ground. Almost 5.8 thousand died there. people, says the Health Ministry of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Territory.
Israeli strikes knocked out two main airports in war-torn Syria on Sunday, Syrian state media reported.
While Israeli strikes are far from the first time government-controlled airports in the capital Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo have been shut down, it was the second time since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas that both airports were hit at the same time.
During Syria’s more than decade-long war, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in its northern neighbor, mostly targeting Iranian-backed forces, Lebanese Hezbollah fighters and Syrian army positions.
Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria, but has repeatedly said it will not allow its arch-enemy Iran, which backs Bashar al-Assad’s government, to expand its influence in the country.
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Interview with Dr. Laura Klein, Middle Eastern Affairs Analyst
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Klein. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in the Israel-Syria conflict following Israel’s recent airstrikes.
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s important to discuss these escalating tensions.
Editor: The Israel Defense Forces have stated that the recent strikes targeted military infrastructure and mortars of the Syrian army in response to a shooting incident. What does this suggest about the current dynamics between Israel and Syria?
Dr. Klein: These airstrikes signal a significant escalation in Israel’s military response particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. It reflects Israel’s broader strategy of preemptive action against perceived threats, especially when they emanate from neighboring countries like Syria. This aggressive stance is part of Israel’s effort to deter any cross-border fire and maintain its security.
Editor: In the context of the war with Hamas, how could these airstrikes affect Israel’s relationship with Syria and potentially Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Dr. Klein: There’s a real concern that the conflict could spill over beyond its current borders. If tensions between Israel and Syria escalate, it could create a volatile environment for Hezbollah, which is heavily influenced by Iran and has a vested interest in supporting its allies in the region. The interconnectedness of these conflicts means that any action taken by Israel against Syrian forces could provoke Hezbollah into responding, further destabilizing the situation.
Editor: The war with Hamas began with significant casualties and hostage situations. How might this ongoing conflict reshape regional dynamics in the Middle East?
Dr. Klein: The violence and humanitarian crises resulting from the war with Hamas could create new alignments and divisions in the region. Countries that have remained neutral or somewhat disengaged may feel pressured to take sides, further complicating the geopolitics at play. Additionally, as states like Iran continue to back groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel’s actions in Syria may be perceived as a broader threat, prompting concerted regional responses.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex and fluid.
Dr. Klein: Absolutely. Thank you for having me discuss these critical issues. The Middle East is always evolving, and we must remain vigilant about the developments unfolding from this conflict.
Th Hamas, how do these actions potentially affect regional stability, particularly concerning Iran and Hezbollah?
Dr. Klein: The actions taken by Israel not only aim to neutralize immediate threats but also send a broader message to Iran and Hezbollah about Israel’s resolve to prevent any consolidation of power in Syria. As tensions intensify due to the ongoing war with Hamas, this could indeed escalate further conflicts involving Iranian proxies in the region. The risk lies in the possibility of a broader confrontation, which could draw in various actors across the Middle East and destabilize the already fragile balance of power.
Editor: We’ve seen significant civilian casualties in Gaza and now military actions in Syria. Could these developments exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region?
Dr. Klein: Absolutely. The ongoing airstrikes and military operations are likely to increase the humanitarian toll on both sides. In Gaza, we’ve seen a devastating loss of life and mass displacement. In Syria, while the strikes target military infrastructure, they often have collateral damage that impacts unsuspecting civilians. Such situations create a cycle of violence and suffering, feeding resentment and potentially aiding recruitment for militant groups. International humanitarian efforts wane in such chaotic conflicts, worsening the situation for everyday people.
Editor: Lastly, what diplomatic avenues, if any, exist to de-escalate these tensions between Israel, Syria, and other regional players?
Dr. Klein: Diplomatic avenues are challenging but essential. There have been calls for renewed dialogue, particularly from countries like Egypt and Qatar, which have historically played mediating roles. However, with the intensity of the current conflict and prevailing mistrust on all sides, any breakthrough seems distant. Encouraging communication channels, even behind the scenes, could help. Additionally, international bodies should engage more actively to facilitate discussions, emphasizing the need for stability and humanitarian considerations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights into this complex and evolving situation. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these pressing issues.
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s critical that we continue to unpack these developments for a better understanding of their implications.
