On 8 December 2024, Israel invaded the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and carried out an aerial campaign targeting the Syrian Army’s military capabilities, following the fall of the Assad regime. The Syrian civil war, which had erupted in 2011 but subsided as a 2020 ceasefire, saw a series of opposition offensives in 2024 that overthrew the Assad regime.
Israel has launched an extensive military campaign in Syria, conducting over 350 air strikes and seizing territory beyond the illegally occupied Golan Heights, in what Defense Minister Israel Katz described as an effort to create a “sterile zone.”
The IDF has also moved ground forces east from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights into a demilitarised buffer zone in Syria and carried out operations targeting what they claim are military assets of “Palestinian groups lead by Hamas” operating in the Syrian territory.
The Israeli army organized an air strike on a target in Deyr Ali town in south of Syria, allegedly targeting a ”Hamas’ weapon warehouse.” In a statement, the army claimed that the weapons were found to be used against Israel.
Following the aggravated clashes in Syria on November 27, 2024, the 61-year-old Baath regime collapsed concurrently, and the Israeli army’s attacks on the country increased. The Israeli army, which began to destroy the military infrastructure and opportunities from the regime army, expanded its occupation on the Syrian land Golan Hills.
Israel has been invading the Syrian Golan Hills since 1967. With the agreement of the withdrawal of the forces signed between Israel and Syria in 1974, the boundaries of the buffer zone and weapon-free region were resolute.
Israel’s Military Campaign in Syria: An Interview with Middle East Expert Dr.Hisham Sharabi
Table of Contents
On December 8, 2024, Israel launched a significant military operation in the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The campaign targeted the Syrian Army’s military capabilities following the fall of the Assad regime. This action comes amidst the backdrop of the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 and saw a series of opposition offensives in 2024 that overthrew the Assad regime.
israel’s Extensive Military Campaign
Senior Editor: Dr.Sharabi, can you provide some context on Israel’s recent military campaign in Syria?
Dr. Hisham Sharabi: Certainly. Israel has conducted over 350 air strikes in Syria, seizing territory beyond the illegally occupied Golan Heights. Defense Minister Israel Katz described this as an effort to create a “sterile zone.” This escalation follows the collapse of the Assad regime, which had maintained a fragile ceasefire since 2020.
The IDF’s Ground Operations
Senior Editor: How have the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) been operating on the ground?
Dr. Hisham Sharabi: The IDF has moved ground forces east from the Israeli-occupied golan heights into a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria. They have been carrying out operations targeting what they claim are military assets of Palestinian groups led by Hamas operating in Syrian territory. This move is part of a broader strategy to secure the region and prevent potential threats from these groups.
Air Strikes and Targeted Operations
Senior Editor: Can you elaborate on the specific air strikes conducted by Israel?
dr. Hisham Sharabi: One notable air strike was organized on a target in Deyr Ali town in southern Syria. The israeli army claimed this strike targeted a “Hamas’ weapon warehouse.” They stated that the weapons found were used against Israel. These targeted operations are part of Israel’s broader effort to dismantle military infrastructure and opportunities from the regime army, thereby expanding their occupation on the Syrian Golan Hills.
The Collapse of the Baath Regime
Senior Editor: how has the collapse of the Baath regime impacted Israel’s military operations?
Dr. Hisham Sharabi: The collapse of the 61-year-old Baath regime on November 27, 2024, coincided with an increase in Israeli army attacks on the country. Following the regime’s fall, the Israeli army has been destroying military infrastructure and expanding its occupation on the Syrian Golan Hills. This has created a power vacuum that Israel is exploiting to secure its interests in the region.
Historical Context and Buffer Zone
Senior Editor: What is the historical context of Israel’s presence in the Syrian Golan Heights?
Dr. Hisham Sharabi: Israel has been invading the Syrian Golan Hills as 1967. With the agreement of the withdrawal of forces signed between Israel and Syria in 1974, the boundaries of the buffer zone and weapon-free region were resolved. This agreement created a demilitarized zone, but recent developments have seen Israel expanding its control beyond these agreed boundaries.
conclusion
Senior Editor: What are the main takeaways from this interview?
Dr. Hisham sharabi: The main takeaways are that Israel’s recent military campaign in Syria is part of a broader strategy to secure its interests in the region.The fall of the Assad regime has created a power vacuum that Israel is exploiting to expand its control.The historical context of the Golan Heights is crucial to understanding the current situation, and the IDF’s operations are targeted at dismantling military infrastructure and preventing potential threats.
