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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World Central Kitchen (WCK) terminated 62 Palestinian employees in Gaza, citing security concerns stemming from an Israeli investigation. This action followed Israel’s demand for an investigation into WCK’s hiring practices after one employee, Ahed Azmi Qdeih, was allegedly implicated in the October 7 attack. Israel’s assessment linked the dismissed employees to terrorist groups, though WCK clarified that this wasn’t a determination of individual guilt. The organization stated the terminations were necessary to protect its team and operations.
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Operation Arrow of Bashan, concluding its strategic phase, saw the IDF neutralize 70-80% of Syria’s strategic capabilities through over 350 airstrikes targeting military infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu, despite the UAE’s condemnation, expressed Israel’s desire for relations with the new Syrian regime, while vowing forceful responses to any Iranian resurgence or attacks. The operation prioritized preventing weapons from falling into the hands of hostile elements, maintaining a secure buffer zone, and involved close coordination with international partners. The IDF emphasizes its actions were solely for Israel’s security and did not involve interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
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Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Syria and advanced into a pre-existing buffer zone, claiming the goal is to prevent extremist groups from acquiring military assets. Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced the intention to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, devoid of weapons and terrorist threats, without permanent Israeli presence. While Israel denied advancing on Damascus, the incursion drew condemnation from several regional powers and the UN for violating the 1974 disengagement agreement. Despite the Israeli actions, life in Damascus is gradually returning to normal.
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Amid growing international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s control over the Golan Heights permanent, citing security concerns. This followed Israel’s military incursion into a previously demilitarized UN-patrolled buffer zone in Syria, a move condemned by the UN and several nations as a violation of a 1974 agreement. Israel justified its actions as necessary to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups and to maintain border security amidst the changing dynamics of the Syrian civil war. The Israeli deployment, which included airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets, has raised concerns about further annexation of Syrian territory.
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Following the overthrow of the Syrian government, Israel launched airstrikes targeting suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors. These actions, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, were solely to ensure Israel’s security. The strikes occurred amidst concerns about a security vacuum and the rise of various armed factions in a now unstable Syria. Simultaneously, the U.S. conducted separate airstrikes targeting ISIS, while Turkey’s actions against the Syrian Democratic Forces further complicated the already volatile situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker