Israeli forces have established a presence in a Syrian village near the Golan Heights, preventing farmers from accessing their land and sparking resident protests. The Israeli military claims its actions are to ensure border security, operating within and near a 1974 ceasefire buffer zone. Residents, however, accuse Israel of violating the agreement and seizing territory, calling for UN intervention and Israeli withdrawal. This follows Israel’s recent expansion into southern Syria after the ousting of President Assad, a move condemned internationally.
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An Arrow missile defense system intercepted a missile launched from Yemen over central Israel, triggering air raid sirens and a temporary halt to Ben Gurion Airport operations. Debris from the intercepted missile landed in Leshem and Beit Hanina, causing minor property damage but no injuries. The attack, coinciding with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s court testimony, prompted warnings of a strong Israeli response to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels responsible. Israeli officials are considering retaliatory action despite the logistical challenges, echoing similar threats made by Finance Minister Smotrich and countered by Houthi warnings of further escalation.
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Overnight, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting over sixty Syrian military sites, including weapons facilities and the Syrian navy. These actions followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, prompting condemnation from Saudi Arabia and concern from the UN. Despite Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s leader stating his group sought no conflict with Israel, the strikes continue, raising international alarm over potential prolonged occupation and escalating regional tensions. The scale of the Israeli operation has surprised many observers. The US is simultaneously engaging with HTS regarding its future role in Syria.
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Israel closed its Dublin embassy due to what Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar termed Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policy,” citing Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its intention to broaden the ICJ’s definition of genocide to include Israel’s actions in Gaza. This decision follows Ireland’s criticism of Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks and its assertion that Israel’s actions constitute collective punishment. Ireland’s government, however, rejected the accusation of anti-Israel bias and reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and international law. Simultaneously, Israel announced plans to open an embassy in Moldova.
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Israel will close its embassy in Ireland due to the Irish government’s “extreme anti-Israel policy,” including its support of the South African lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ. This decision follows Ireland’s unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and its recent participation in the ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide. Conversely, Israel will open an embassy in Moldova, reflecting a shift in diplomatic priorities based on countries’ stances towards Israel. The closure of the Irish embassy represents a more assertive response than previously employed by Israel’s foreign ministry.
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Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Syria’s new leadership to maintain its opposition to Israel, rejecting normalization of relations. Qassem’s statement reflects Hezbollah’s continued commitment to confronting Israel, despite a recent ceasefire and ongoing regional shifts. He downplayed the loss of Syrian supply lines, emphasizing Hezbollah’s enduring military posture and its refusal to disarm. While refraining from immediate judgment on Syria’s new rulers, Qassem stressed the importance of stability before assessment.
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Following a meeting of representatives from six Druze villages in southern Syria, a request for annexation to the Israeli Golan Heights was made. This decision, driven by the advance of jihadist rebels and the threat to their safety, reflects the villagers’ determination to prevent the rebels from reaching their area. The Druze, traditionally loyal to the Assad regime, now face an existential threat from extremist groups. This plea for annexation comes amidst the fall of the Assad regime and significant concerns for the safety of the Syrian Druze population. The request highlights the precarious situation and desperate measures being considered by the Druze community.
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Following the collapse of the Assad regime and a rebel offensive, Turkish-backed forces are attacking Kurdish groups in northern Syria, prompting Israeli officials to call for international intervention. Israel, citing the Kurds’ role in fighting ISIS and their stabilizing influence, is urging a halt to the attacks and is reportedly discussing the matter with the U.S. and other nations. While some Kurds welcome this support, experts warn that verbal support needs to be coupled with concrete actions, such as weapon supplies, to prevent further harm to the Kurds and avoid negative regional consequences. The situation remains tense, with ceasefires fragile and the potential for escalating violence.
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On December 9th, the Israeli Navy conducted a significant operation in Latakia harbor, sinking Syrian warships. This action, part of a larger campaign to neutralize Syrian military assets, targeted the regime’s naval fleet to prevent weapons from falling into hostile hands. Photographs confirm the destruction of at least some Osa-class missile boats, equipped with P-15M Termit anti-ship missiles. While specifics remain undisclosed, Israeli officials suggest all strategic weapons were successfully eliminated.
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France condemned Israel’s seizure of the Golan Heights demilitarized zone, deeming it a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. The Israeli action, following Syrian rebel advances, has drawn international criticism, including from the UN, which noted Israeli occupation of seven positions within the buffer zone. France urged Israel to withdraw its forces and respect Syrian sovereignty. This follows similar condemnations from several nations, with only the US calling for a temporary Israeli presence.
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John Q. Hosedrinker