Israeli advances in Syria condemned by UN, navy bases destroyed

The United Nations has called Israel’s actions in Syria a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, urging all parties to adhere to international law.

Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Syria as troops pushed deeper into the country, the Syrian opposition war monitor reported on Tuesday.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that forces had destroyed Syria’s navy and emphasized plans to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.

Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israel acknowledged moving into a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone created after the 1973 Mideast war.

However, Israeli officials denied advancing toward Damascus, located just 25 miles from the buffer zone.

What Was Targeted in the Airstrikes?

The Israeli military claimed over 350 strikes in 48 hours, targeting air defense systems, missile depots, and weapons production sites to prevent them from falling into extremist hands.

Israeli missile ships also struck two Syrian navy facilities, with private security firm Ambrey reporting evidence of at least six Soviet-era missile ships being destroyed.

Katz said the military’s goal was to create a zone free of weapons and terror threats without establishing a permanent Israeli presence.

The strikes and incursions drew international condemnation. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability and violating international law.

Is Israel Advancing Toward Damascus?

Israeli officials rejected reports that its troops had advanced close to Damascus. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli spokesperson, labeled such claims “false,” emphasizing that Israeli forces remain within the buffer zone for defensive purposes.

However, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that Israeli forces had advanced along the Syrian-Lebanon border, reaching within 16 miles of Damascus. Beirut-based Mayadeen TV corroborated these accounts, but Israel denied them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the airstrikes, stating they aimed to destroy Assad’s remaining military capabilities.

Netanyahu also expressed openness to relations with Syria’s new government, following the transition to a rebel-led administration.

What’s Next for Syria Post-Assad?

Assad’s fall marked the end of a half-century family rule, with a transitional cabinet now led by Mohammed al-Bashir. Life in Damascus is showing signs of recovery, with banks, shops, and markets reopening.

Syrians expressed relief at the end of the Assad regime’s corruption and fear-driven governance.

Despite the optimism, disorder persists. The U.N. reported looting of humanitarian aid warehouses around Damascus. Meanwhile, Israel’s incursion into Syria raised concerns about further regional instability, highlighting the fragile balance in this post-Assad era.

International eyes remain on Syria, where hope and uncertainty coexist amid ongoing transformations.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press