The conflict escalates as Israel enforces a new defense policy while Syria denounces the attacks as violations of sovereignty.
**Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: Israel Strikes Southern Syria**
**Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: Israel Strikes Southern Syria**
Israel targets military sites in Syria amidst calls for withdrawal from newly established Syrian leadership.
On February 25, 2025, the Israeli military launched strikes on several sites in southern Syria shortly after the new Syrian leadership demanded Israel's withdrawal from territories acquired following the Assad regime's downfall. According to an official statement from the Israeli military, the attacks focused on “military targets," including command centers and weapon depots, citing the presence of military assets in southern Syria as a direct threat to Israeli citizens.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that these operations are part of a “new policy” designed to ensure a “demilitarized southern Syria.” He emphasized that any attempts by Syrian forces or militant groups to set up operations within the area's designated “security zone” will be met with force.
This aggressive approach was articulated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent address, where he insisted on the total demilitarization of southern Syria. In response, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, who led a national unity conference in Damascus, vehemently condemned Israeli activities and called for international intervention to halt what Syria describes as acts of aggression and violations of its sovereignty.
In the conference's aftermath, Syria’s new government made it clear that they would not accept Netanyahu's “provocative statements,” reiterating their call for the global community to pressure Israel to cease its military operations in Syria.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that these operations are part of a “new policy” designed to ensure a “demilitarized southern Syria.” He emphasized that any attempts by Syrian forces or militant groups to set up operations within the area's designated “security zone” will be met with force.
This aggressive approach was articulated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent address, where he insisted on the total demilitarization of southern Syria. In response, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, who led a national unity conference in Damascus, vehemently condemned Israeli activities and called for international intervention to halt what Syria describes as acts of aggression and violations of its sovereignty.
In the conference's aftermath, Syria’s new government made it clear that they would not accept Netanyahu's “provocative statements,” reiterating their call for the global community to pressure Israel to cease its military operations in Syria.
