Israel Invades Syria: A Shocking Turn of Events
On December 8, 2024, a seismic shift occurred in the Middle East as Israel invaded the buffer zone between Syria and its occupied Golan Heights. This move marked the first Israeli occupation of Syria since 1973, raising questions about the stability of the region.
Why Did Israel Act?
The invasion came after President Bashar al-Assad’s regime abandoned its positions along the UNDOF buffer area, leading to a void in the 1974 border agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that this abandonment had nullified the agreement and justified the military action.
Operation Arrow of Bashan
The operation, dubbed ‘Operation Arrow of Bashan,’ saw extensive aerial and naval strikes targeting Syrian military capabilities. The Israeli military aimed to establish a security zone free from heavy weaponry and prevent Iranian arms smuggling routes through Syria.
International Reaction
The campaign drew widespread international condemnation. Syrian de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized Israel’s actions, acknowledging that his country was not in a position to be drawn into another conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli forces advanced into al-Baath city center and occupied several villages.
Israeli Occupation
On December 8, Al Arabiya reported that Israel took control of Tell al-Hara. By December 10, correspondents for Al Jazeera and Enab Baladi confirmed the presence of Israeli tanks in several Syrian villages. IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee announced a curfew in five Syrian villages.
Symbolic Actions
The operation included symbolic actions such as orthodox Chabad Jews printing the Tanya on Syrian land, marking a significant cultural and religious statement. On December 12, Syrian residents of Hader and Hamidiya were displaced after IDF entry with military vehicles.
Security Requirements
From December 12 to 13, Israeli forces conducted formal meetings with local community representatives in the Yarmouk Basin area. The military articulated specific security requirements for the local population, aiming to ensure a stable and secure environment.
Strategic Strikes
The operation involved extensive airstrikes against strategic targets. Israel destroyed between 70% and 80% of Syria’s strategic weapons in just two days. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, intelligence and customs headquarters, Mezzeh Air Base, naval assets at the Port of Latakia, and Qamishli Airport.
International Condemnation
The operation drew international condemnation from numerous countries including the Arab League, Egypt, France, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Nations, and UAE. Israel claimed the action was to counter Syrian military withdrawal from the Golan Heights buffer zone.
As the dust settles on this dramatic turn of events, one can’t help but wonder: What does this mean for the future of the region? Will this be a temporary measure or the beginning of a new chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics?
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This page is based on the article 2024 Israeli invasion of Syria published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 16, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
