In a surprising turn of events, Syrian rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS swiftly dismantled the Assad regime, taking control of Damascus and publicly proclaiming Syria as “free.” The rapid collapse of a government that had maintained power for decades posed a significant threat and opportunity in the region, prompting an immediate and multifaceted response from Israel. The Israeli government, under Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, confirmed that it was conducting airstrikes across Syria, specifically targeting sites believed to house chemical weapons and missile capabilities. The expressed aim was to prevent such dangerous arsenals from being seized by extremist groups.
In a flurry of military activity, Israel executed numerous airstrikes, including attacks on a rocket development facility in Damascus. Ground forces were also mobilized, with reports emerging that Israeli troops crossed from the Golan Heights into the demilitarized buffer zone of Syria, where United Nations peacekeepers are stationed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military’s temporary takeover of the Area of Separation, stating that the longstanding 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria was effectively nullified following the rebel’s dominance over the country. This marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Netanyahu characterized the fall of the Assad regime as a historic moment that presented both tremendous opportunities and significant risks. The Israeli leadership extended a “hand of peace” to various Syrian groups, including Druze and Kurds, hoping to foster peaceful relations amid the turbulence of regime change. However, military aggressiveness persisted, highlighted by the destruction of vital military infrastructure in Syria, such as the Mezzeh military airport, as well as extensive airstrikes targeting numerous facilities associated with Syria’s defense and intelligence sectors.
The Israeli military’s operations were not limited to airstrikes; reports indicated that over 150 targets were struck within just a few days. Geographically, the Golan Heights—a strategically important plateau near Damascus—has long served as a natural defense line for Israel and is rich in water resources and agricultural land. Saar emphasized that the IDF’s actions were a temporary and limited measure taken for national security, asserting that Israel did not have any direct interest in Syrian internal matters but was solely focused on safeguarding its citizens.
Despite the tension and uncertainty surrounding the situation, Netanyahu’s government expressed hope for establishing friendly relations with new powers within Syria. He mentioned a desire to form neighborly ties with Syrians who sought peace. However, he simultaneously warned that if peace was not achievable, Israel would take all necessary measures to defend its territory. This dual approach of outreach and military readiness highlights the complexities of navigating the regional power dynamics in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse.
As the situation unfolded, it became evident that the aftermath of the Assad regime’s downfall would significantly impact both Syrian society and Israel’s strategic position in the region. With thousands of Israeli settlers cohabiting in the Golan Heights alongside a substantial Syrian population, the potential for conflict and cooperation remained high. Moreover, reports surfaced regarding the Assad family’s exodus to Russia, where they sought asylum, further complicating the political landscape and fueling speculation about the future of Syria and its governance. The evolving scenario represents a pivotal moment where the interplay of military, diplomatic, and humanitarian considerations will shape the region’s trajectory in the years to come.