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{{pp-protect|small=yes}}
{{Short description|Ongoing military conflict in Syria}} {{Short description|Ongoing military conflict in Syria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}


{{Infobox military conflict {{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Spillover of the ] in ] | conflict = Spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria
⚫ | partof = the spillover of the ], ], ], ] and the ]
⚫ | place = {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
⚫ | image = 2024 Israeli invasion of Syria.png
*{{flagdeco|Israel}}/{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ] ]
⚫ | caption = Map of the extent of the ]' occupation of ]
⚫ *{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ], ], ], ] and the Syrian side of ]
| date = 7 October 2023 – present
</br > {{flag|Israel}}
| date = 7 October 2023 – present | place = ''']'''
* ]
| combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}
⚫ * ], ], ], ] and the Syrian side of ]
*{{flag|United States}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyv0ne41pzo|title=US says it helped Israel shoot down Iran missiles|website=BBC|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref>
''']'''
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2krlgekpxo|title=UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel|website=BBC|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref>
⚫ | result = Ongoing
*{{flag|France}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/frances-macron-condemns-irans-attacks-israel-2024-10-02/|title=France helps down Iran missiles, Germany sees risk of region ablaze|website=Reuters|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref>
*{{flag|Germany}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-05 |title=Gaza war: Where does Israel get its weapons? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68737412 |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
⚫ | combatant2 = Before 8th December 2024
</br >{{Flagdeco|Syria}} ]
*{{flagdeco|Syria}} ]
⚫ **{{flag|Iran}}
⚫ ***{{flagicon image|PMF infobox.png}} ]
⚫ **{{flag|Russia}}
⚫ **{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} ]
⚫ After 8th December 2024
⚫ </br >{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]/]
*{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
⚫ **{{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} ]
**{{flagicon|Druze}} ]
⚫ | casualties2 = 416 killed (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria latest: Israel carries out dozens of air strikes across Syria – reports |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cj90138ejrdt?post=asset:f29d389b-0d8b-46cb-9cfa-69cb65dc3503#post |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
⚫ | result = Ongoing
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
** Israel captures ], ], ] and ], as well as the Syrian-controlled side of ] ** Israel captures ], ], ] and ], as well as occupying the Syrian-controlled side of ], later withdraws from all of the locations except the mountain<ref>{{cite web |title=Syrian Source: Occupation Withdraws from Rural Daraa and UN Patrols Resume |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/amp/news/2024/12/26/عاجل-مصدر-بوزارة-الداخلية-السورية |website=Al Jazeera |date=26 December 2024 |access-date=27 December 2024 |language=ar}}</ref>
**] hits ] with at least 322 airstrikes since the ] ** ] strikes ] with at least 322 bombings since the ]
**Syria's naval fleet destroyed ** Syria's naval fleet devastated
| combatant1 = '''{{flag|Israel}}'''<br/>'''Allies:'''<br>{{flag|United States}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyv0ne41pzo|title=US says it helped Israel shoot down Iran missiles|website=BBC|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref><br/>{{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2krlgekpxo|title=UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel|website=BBC|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref><br/>{{flag|France}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/frances-macron-condemns-irans-attacks-israel-2024-10-02/|title=France helps down Iran missiles, Germany sees risk of region ablaze|website=Reuters|date=2024-10-02|access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref><br/>{{flag|Germany}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-05 |title=Gaza war: Where does Israel get its weapons? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68737412 |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
⚫ | partof = the spillover of the ], ], ] and the ]
| combatant2 = '''Until 8 December 2024:'''<br>{{flagicon|Ba'athist Syria}} '''] {{surrendered}} '''<br>'''Allies:'''
⚫ | casualties1 = Unknown
<br/>
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Israel}} ]
⚫ {{flag|Iran}}<br/>
⚫ </br >{{flagdeco|Israel}} ]
⚫ {{flagicon image|PMF infobox.png}} ]<br/>
⚫ {{flagdeco|Israel}} ]
⚫ {{flag|Russia}}<br/>
| commander2 = </big>Before 8th December 2024</big>
⚫ {{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} ]
⚫ </br > {{flagdeco|Syria}} ]
<hr />
</br >{{flagdeco|Iran}} ]
⚫ '''From 8 December 2024:'''
⚫ </br >{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} ]
⚫ <br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian revolution.svg}}{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Transitional Government (Shahada).svg}} ]/]
</br >{{flagdeco|Russia}} ]
⚫ *{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
⚫ </br > After 8th December 2024
⚫ **{{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png}} ]
</br >{{flagicon image|InfoboxHTS.svg}}{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
*{{flagdeco|Syria}}/{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ] **{{flagicon|Druze}} ]
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Israel}} ''']'''<br>{{flagdeco|Israel}} ]<br>{{flagdeco|Israel}} ]
*{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
⚫ | commander2 = '''Until 8 December 2024'''
⚫ | image = 2024 Israeli invasion of Syria.png
⚫ <br /> {{flagicon|Ba'athist Syria}} ''']''' {{surrendered}}
⚫ | caption = Map of the extent of the ]'s invasion of ]
⚫ <br />{{flagdeco|Iran}} ]
⚫ <br />{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} ]
⚫ <br />{{flagdeco|Russia}} ]
⚫ <hr/> '''From 8 December 2024'''
<br /> {{flagicon image|InfoboxHTS.svg|link=Tahrir al-Sham}}{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ''']'''<br>{{flagicon|Ba'athist Syria}}/{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]<br>{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} ]
⚫ | casualties1 = Unknown
⚫ | casualties2 = 416 killed by IDF air strikes (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria latest: Israel carries out dozens of air strikes across Syria – reports |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cj90138ejrdt?post=asset:f29d389b-0d8b-46cb-9cfa-69cb65dc3503#post |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
}} }}


The '''spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria''' is the impact and military engagements in ] which are caused by the spillover of the ], and constitute a part of the ongoing ]. The conflict, originating in the ], has triggered regional tensions and violence, drawing Syria in through direct and indirect confrontations involving Israeli forces, Syrian state actors, and armed groups operating in Syrian territory. The '''spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria''' is the impact and military engagements in ] which are caused by the spillover of the ], and constitute a part of the ongoing ]. The conflict, originating in the ], has triggered regional tensions and violence, drawing Syria in through direct and indirect confrontations involving Israeli defense forces, Syrian state actors, and armed groups operating in Syrian territory.


== Background == == Background ==
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== Israeli airstrikes on Syria == == Israeli airstrikes on Syria ==
There have been numerous attacks claimed by or blamed on Israel since the start of the war in Gaza. In roughly the first year of the war, Israel struck Syria more than 220 times, killing 296 people.<ref name="aljazeera20241012">{{#invoke:cite web||last=Salhani|first=Justin|date=2024-10-12|title=Israel's attacks on Syria explained|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/12/how-can-israel-attack-syria|access-date=2024-10-22|website=Al Jazeera|language=en}}</ref> On 10 October 2023, Israel exchanged rocket and mortar fire with forces in southern Syria. There have been numerous attacks claimed by or blamed on Israel since the start of the war in Gaza. In roughly the first year of the war, Israel struck Syria more than 220 times, killing 296 people.<ref name="aljazeera20241012">{{#invoke:cite web||last=Salhani|first=Justin|date=2024-10-12|title=Israel's attacks on Syria explained|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/12/how-can-israel-attack-syria|access-date=2024-10-22|website=Al Jazeera|language=en}}</ref> On 10 October 2023, Israel exchanged rocket and mortar fire with forces in southern Syria.

During October 2024, 700 members of the front for the liberation of the Golan where deployed to the Qunaitrah countryside, western Rif Dimashque, and western Daraa along the border of the Golan Heights following the start of the ].{{cn|date=December 2024}}


From 12 to 22 October 2023, Israel launched at least three attacks on airports in Syria, including ] and ], ahead of a visit to Syria by Iranian foreign minister ].<ref name="Reuters-2023">{{#invoke:cite news||date=12 October 2023|title=Syria says Israeli missiles hit Damascus, Aleppo airports|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-state-tv-says-israeli-attack-targets-aleppo-damascus-airports-2023-10-12/|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=14 October 2023|title=Israeli attack on Syrian Aleppo airport puts it out of service|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-attack-syrian-aleppo-airport-puts-it-out-service-2023-10-14/|access-date=17 October 2023}}</ref> Two workers from the Syrian meteorology service based at Damascus International Airport were killed.<ref name="reutersairport">{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-air-strikes-kill-two-workers-syrias-damascus-airport-official-2023-10-22/|title=Israeli air strikes kill two workers at Syria's Damascus airport, official says|publisher=]|date=22 October 2023|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref> From 12 to 22 October 2023, Israel launched at least three attacks on airports in Syria, including ] and ], ahead of a visit to Syria by Iranian foreign minister ].<ref name="Reuters-2023">{{#invoke:cite news||date=12 October 2023|title=Syria says Israeli missiles hit Damascus, Aleppo airports|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-state-tv-says-israeli-attack-targets-aleppo-damascus-airports-2023-10-12/|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=14 October 2023|title=Israeli attack on Syrian Aleppo airport puts it out of service|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-attack-syrian-aleppo-airport-puts-it-out-service-2023-10-14/|access-date=17 October 2023}}</ref> Two workers from the Syrian meteorology service based at Damascus International Airport were killed.<ref name="reutersairport">{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-air-strikes-kill-two-workers-syrias-damascus-airport-official-2023-10-22/|title=Israeli air strikes kill two workers at Syria's Damascus airport, official says|publisher=]|date=22 October 2023|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref>
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Since 2024, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes at targets in Syria, including in Damascus<ref name="AP News-2024">{{#invoke:cite news||date=21 February 2024|title=State media say an Israeli strike kills 2 in a Damascus residential area. Another kills 2 in Lebanon|url=https://apnews.com/article/syria-damascus-airstrike-israel-kfar-sousseh-d74303092387a91d8582d3810ee49c8a|access-date=14 April 2024|work=]}}</ref> and Aleppo.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/more-than-30-killed-in-israeli-strikes-on-syrias-aleppo-reports/|title=More than 40 people killed in Israeli strikes on Syria's Aleppo: Reports|date=29 March 2024|access-date=5 June 2024|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 20 January 2024, ] ], an intelligence officer with the IRGC ] in Syria, along with four other IRGC officers, were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-20 |title=At least 4 killed in Israel strike on Damascus, Syrian media |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syea11wft6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206082003/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syea11wft6 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Iranian general killed in Syria, says IRGC's source |url=https://en.trend.az/iran/politics/3851316.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201143307/https://en.trend.az/iran/politics/3851316.html |archive-date=1 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Trend.Az |language=en}}</ref> According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an Israeli missile strike targeted a four-story building in the ] district. The attack resulted in the death of thirteen individuals,<ref>{{cite news |date=21 January 2024 |title=بينهم 5 إيرانيين.. ارتفاع عدد القتلى بـ الاستهداف الإسرائيلي على مبنى بحي المزة إلى 13 |trans-title=Including 5 Iranians.. The death toll due to the Israeli targeting of a building in the Mezzeh neighborhood rose to 13 |url=https://www.syriahr.com/%d8%a8%d9%8a%d9%86%d9%87%d9%85-5-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%aa%d9%81%d8%a7%d8%b9-%d8%b9%d8%af%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a8%d9%80-%d8%a7/699755/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121180654/https://www.syriahr.com/%d8%a8%d9%8a%d9%86%d9%87%d9%85-5-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%aa%d9%81%d8%a7%d8%b9-%d8%b9%d8%af%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a8%d9%80-%d8%a7/699755/ |archive-date=21 January 2024 |access-date=21 January 2024 |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |language=ar}}</ref> including five Iranians, and the complete destruction of the building where leaders aligned with Iran were having a meeting.<ref name="syriahr20jan">{{cite news |date=20 January 2024 |title=Death toll update: Ten individuals including three commanders of IRGC killed in Israeli airstrikes on building in Damascus |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/323226/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126172220/https://www.syriahr.com/en/323226/ |archive-date=26 January 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}}</ref> Since 2024, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes at targets in Syria, including in Damascus<ref name="AP News-2024">{{#invoke:cite news||date=21 February 2024|title=State media say an Israeli strike kills 2 in a Damascus residential area. Another kills 2 in Lebanon|url=https://apnews.com/article/syria-damascus-airstrike-israel-kfar-sousseh-d74303092387a91d8582d3810ee49c8a|access-date=14 April 2024|work=]}}</ref> and Aleppo.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/more-than-30-killed-in-israeli-strikes-on-syrias-aleppo-reports/|title=More than 40 people killed in Israeli strikes on Syria's Aleppo: Reports|date=29 March 2024|access-date=5 June 2024|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 20 January 2024, ] ], an intelligence officer with the IRGC ] in Syria, along with four other IRGC officers, were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-20 |title=At least 4 killed in Israel strike on Damascus, Syrian media |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syea11wft6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206082003/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syea11wft6 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-20 |title=Iranian general killed in Syria, says IRGC's source |url=https://en.trend.az/iran/politics/3851316.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201143307/https://en.trend.az/iran/politics/3851316.html |archive-date=1 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Trend.Az |language=en}}</ref> According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an Israeli missile strike targeted a four-story building in the ] district. The attack resulted in the death of thirteen individuals,<ref>{{cite news |date=21 January 2024 |title=بينهم 5 إيرانيين.. ارتفاع عدد القتلى بـ الاستهداف الإسرائيلي على مبنى بحي المزة إلى 13 |trans-title=Including 5 Iranians.. The death toll due to the Israeli targeting of a building in the Mezzeh neighborhood rose to 13 |url=https://www.syriahr.com/%d8%a8%d9%8a%d9%86%d9%87%d9%85-5-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%aa%d9%81%d8%a7%d8%b9-%d8%b9%d8%af%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a8%d9%80-%d8%a7/699755/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121180654/https://www.syriahr.com/%d8%a8%d9%8a%d9%86%d9%87%d9%85-5-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%aa%d9%81%d8%a7%d8%b9-%d8%b9%d8%af%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a8%d9%80-%d8%a7/699755/ |archive-date=21 January 2024 |access-date=21 January 2024 |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |language=ar}}</ref> including five Iranians, and the complete destruction of the building where leaders aligned with Iran were having a meeting.<ref name="syriahr20jan">{{cite news |date=20 January 2024 |title=Death toll update: Ten individuals including three commanders of IRGC killed in Israeli airstrikes on building in Damascus |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/323226/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126172220/https://www.syriahr.com/en/323226/ |archive-date=26 January 2024 |access-date=20 January 2024 |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}}</ref>


==== Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria ==== === Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria ===
{{main|Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus}} {{main|Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus}}
On 1 April 2024, senior ] commander of the ], Brigadier General ], was killed by an suspected Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Bowen|first1=Jeremy|last2=Gritten|first2=David|date=1 April 2024|title=Israel accused of deadly strike on Iranian consulate in Syria|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68708923|publisher=]|access-date=1 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=1 April 2024|title=Iran says Israel bombed its embassy in Syria, killing a top commander|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/building-close-iranian-embassy-hit-syria-iranian-media-report-2024-04-01/|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="cnndeath">{{cite news |date=1 April 2024 |title=Top Iranian commander killed in attack on consulate in Syria, Iran state-affiliated media reports |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101646/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Between five and seven people were killed in the airstrike according to Iranian ambassador, Hossein Akbari. The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighboring buildings, according to Syrian state media.<ref name="cnndeath" /> Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer who has been killed since the ] by the U.S. in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 April 2024 |title=Top Iranian general killed by Israeli airstrike: sources |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101654/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |publisher=Axios}}</ref> On 1 April 2024, senior ] commander of the ], Brigadier General ], was killed by a suspected Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Bowen|first1=Jeremy|last2=Gritten|first2=David|date=1 April 2024|title=Israel accused of deadly strike on Iranian consulate in Syria|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68708923|publisher=]|access-date=1 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news||date=1 April 2024|title=Iran says Israel bombed its embassy in Syria, killing a top commander|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/building-close-iranian-embassy-hit-syria-iranian-media-report-2024-04-01/|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="cnndeath">{{cite news |date=1 April 2024 |title=Top Iranian commander killed in attack on consulate in Syria, Iran state-affiliated media reports |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101646/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Between five and seven people were killed in the airstrike according to Iranian ambassador, Hossein Akbari. The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighboring buildings, according to Syrian state media.<ref name="cnndeath" /> Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer who has been killed since the ] by the U.S. in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 April 2024 |title=Top Iranian general killed by Israeli airstrike: sources |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101654/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |publisher=Axios}}</ref>


On 13 July 2024, one soldier was killed and three other people were injured in Israeli strikes in and around Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=13 July 2024|title=Syria says soldier killed, three wounded in Israeli strikes|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-thwarts-israeli-attack-over-damascus-countryside-state-media-says-2024-07-13/|website=Reuters}}</ref> On 27 September 2024, Israeli forces struck the Lebanon-Syria border, killing five ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=27 September 2024|title=Five soldiers killed in Israeli strike on Syria-Lebanon border|url=https://aje.io/znkfex?update=3205942|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 30 September, several people including a state television presenter were killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=30 September 2024|title=Three civilians killed in Israeli airstrike on Damascus, state media says|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-air-defences-intercept-hostile-targets-over-vicinity-damascus-2024-09-30/|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Marsi|first1=Federica|last2=Varshalomidze|first2=Tamila|date=3 October 2024|title=IRGC consultant dies from injuries after Israeli attack on Syria's capital: Report|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/3/live-beirut-bombed-as-hezbollah-battles-israeli-army-in-south-lebanon|access-date=3 October 2024|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|quote=Iran's Student News Network reports that a consultant working for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has died from injuries sustained in an Israeli air attack on Damascus on Monday.}}</ref> On 4 October, two Israeli soldiers were killed and 24 were wounded in a drone attack by the ] on an Israeli base in the Golan Heights.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Fabian|first=Emmanuel|date=4 October 2024|title=2 IDF soldiers killed, 24 wounded in Iraq drone attack on Golan Heights base|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-idf-soldiers-killed-24-wounded-in-iraq-drone-attack-on-golan-heights-base/|website=Times of Israel}}</ref> However, the group denied responsibility for the attack.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=Exclusive: Iraqi groups say Israel fabricated deadly Golan drone attack|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-iraqi-groups-say-israel-fabricated-deadly-golan-drone-attack|access-date=12 October 2024|website=]|language=en}}</ref> On 8 October an Israeli airstrike on Damascus killed 13 people.<ref name="aljazeera20241012" /> On 14 October, two Israeli tanks crossed into Syria, positioning themselves south of ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=14 October 2024|title=IDF tanks cross into Syria – report|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-824565|access-date=15 October 2024|website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en}}</ref> On 20 October, a guided missile attack on a car killed two people near the Golden Mazzeh hotel in Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=21 October 2024|title=Two killed in missile attack on car in Syrian capital, state media say|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/explosion-damascus-mazzeh-area-appears-be-car-state-media-says-2024-10-21/|website=Reuters}}</ref> On 31 October, ] reported that Israeli strikes hit a number of residential buildings in ], damaging its industrial zone and killing 10 people, including civilians.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Motamedi|first=Maziar|date=2024-10-31|title=Israel strikes Syrian town near Lebanon border: State media|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/31/live-israel-pounds-gaza-lebanon-amid-hopes-of-a-truce-with-hezbollah|access-date=2024-10-31|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|quote=An “Israeli aggression” hit a number of residential buildings in the area of Qusayr in the southern countryside of Homs province, in central Syria, the country’s news agency (SANA) reports. The attack caused “material damage” to the industrial zone of Qusayr and some of the city’s residential neighbourhoods, according to the state media.}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=2024-10-31|title=Monitor Says Israel Strike On Syria Weapons Depots Kills 10|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/war-monitor-says-3-killed-in-israel-strike-on-syria-near-lebanon-border-084b0a23|access-date=2024-11-01|website=Barron's|language=en}}</ref> ] reported that the strikes targeted assets and headquarters of ].<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2024 |title=Israel says it hits military sites in Damascus, Syrian media says 15 killed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-media-report-israeli-attacks-damascus-2024-11-14/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2024 |title=Lebanese Official Says Israeli Strikes Killed at Least 12 Emergency Workers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/world/middleeast/israel-syria-lebanon-strikes.html |access-date=14 November 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/349172/ |title=23 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on Qudsiya and Al-Mazzah neighbourhood Including seven civilians |date=15 November 2024 |work=SOHR}}</ref> PIJ confirmed the death of two of its leaders and a group of its cadres.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/two-palestinian-islamic-jihad-leaders-killed-in-israel-strike-on-syria-source-58b93954#:~:text=The%20source%20told%20AFP%20on,Qudsaya%2C%20in%20the%20Damascus%20area. |title=Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leaders Killed In Israel Strike On Syria |date=16 November 2024 |publisher=Agence France-Presse |via=Barron's}}</ref> The IDF said that it struck Hezbollah command centers and weapon depots. On 14 November, Israeli strikes on Damascus killed at least 15 people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At least 15 people killed in Israeli strikes on Syria’s Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/14/at-least-15-people-killed-in-israeli-strikes-on-syrias-damascus |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> On 13 July 2024, one soldier was killed and three other people were injured in Israeli strikes in and around Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=13 July 2024|title=Syria says soldier killed, three wounded in Israeli strikes|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-thwarts-israeli-attack-over-damascus-countryside-state-media-says-2024-07-13/|website=Reuters}}</ref> On 27 September 2024, Israeli forces struck the Lebanon-Syria border, killing five ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=27 September 2024|title=Five soldiers killed in Israeli strike on Syria-Lebanon border|url=https://aje.io/znkfex?update=3205942|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 30 September, several people including a state television presenter were killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=30 September 2024|title=Three civilians killed in Israeli airstrike on Damascus, state media says|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-air-defences-intercept-hostile-targets-over-vicinity-damascus-2024-09-30/|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last1=Marsi|first1=Federica|last2=Varshalomidze|first2=Tamila|date=3 October 2024|title=IRGC consultant dies from injuries after Israeli attack on Syria's capital: Report|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/3/live-beirut-bombed-as-hezbollah-battles-israeli-army-in-south-lebanon|access-date=3 October 2024|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|quote=Iran's Student News Network reports that a consultant working for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has died from injuries sustained in an Israeli air attack on Damascus on Monday.}}</ref> On 4 October, two Israeli soldiers were killed and 24 were wounded in a drone attack by the ] on an Israeli base in the Golan Heights.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Fabian|first=Emmanuel|date=4 October 2024|title=2 IDF soldiers killed, 24 wounded in Iraq drone attack on Golan Heights base|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-idf-soldiers-killed-24-wounded-in-iraq-drone-attack-on-golan-heights-base/|website=Times of Israel}}</ref> However, the group denied responsibility for the attack.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||title=Exclusive: Iraqi groups say Israel fabricated deadly Golan drone attack|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-iraqi-groups-say-israel-fabricated-deadly-golan-drone-attack|access-date=12 October 2024|website=]|language=en}}</ref> On 8 October an Israeli airstrike on Damascus killed 13 people.<ref name="aljazeera20241012" /> On 14 October, two Israeli tanks crossed into Syria, positioning themselves south of ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=14 October 2024|title=IDF tanks cross into Syria – report|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-824565|access-date=15 October 2024|website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en}}</ref> On 20 October, a guided missile attack on a car killed two people near the Golden Mazzeh hotel in Damascus.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=21 October 2024|title=Two killed in missile attack on car in Syrian capital, state media say|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/explosion-damascus-mazzeh-area-appears-be-car-state-media-says-2024-10-21/|website=Reuters}}</ref> On 31 October, ] reported that Israeli strikes hit a number of residential buildings in ], damaging its industrial zone and killing 10 people, including civilians.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web||last=Motamedi|first=Maziar|date=2024-10-31|title=Israel strikes Syrian town near Lebanon border: State media|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/31/live-israel-pounds-gaza-lebanon-amid-hopes-of-a-truce-with-hezbollah|access-date=2024-10-31|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|quote=An “Israeli aggression” hit a number of residential buildings in the area of Qusayr in the southern countryside of Homs province, in central Syria, the country’s news agency (SANA) reports. The attack caused “material damage” to the industrial zone of Qusayr and some of the city’s residential neighbourhoods, according to the state media.}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web||date=2024-10-31|title=Monitor Says Israel Strike On Syria Weapons Depots Kills 10|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/war-monitor-says-3-killed-in-israel-strike-on-syria-near-lebanon-border-084b0a23|access-date=2024-11-01|website=Barron's|language=en}}</ref> ] reported that the strikes targeted assets and headquarters of ].<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2024 |title=Israel says it hits military sites in Damascus, Syrian media says 15 killed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-media-report-israeli-attacks-damascus-2024-11-14/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2024 |title=Lebanese Official Says Israeli Strikes Killed at Least 12 Emergency Workers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/world/middleeast/israel-syria-lebanon-strikes.html |access-date=14 November 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/349172/ |title=23 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on Qudsiya and Al-Mazzah neighbourhood Including seven civilians |date=15 November 2024 |work=SOHR}}</ref> PIJ confirmed the death of two of its leaders and a group of its cadres.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/two-palestinian-islamic-jihad-leaders-killed-in-israel-strike-on-syria-source-58b93954#:~:text=The%20source%20told%20AFP%20on,Qudsaya%2C%20in%20the%20Damascus%20area. |title=Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leaders Killed In Israel Strike On Syria |date=16 November 2024 |publisher=Agence France-Presse |via=Barron's}}</ref> The IDF said that it struck Hezbollah command centers and weapon depots. On 14 November, Israeli strikes on Damascus killed at least 15 people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At least 15 people killed in Israeli strikes on Syria's Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/14/at-least-15-people-killed-in-israeli-strikes-on-syrias-damascus |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>


On 20 November 2024, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in the vicinity of ], in ]. According to the ], the strikes hit "residential buildings and the industrial zone". The ], a ]-based war monitor, claimed the attacks killed four non-Syrian nationals, identified as members of Iranian-backed militias.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria reports Israeli strikes in Palmyra |url=https://www.jns.org/syria-reports-israeli-strikes-in-palmyra/ |website=JNS |date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024}}</ref> On 20 November 2024, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in the vicinity of ], in ]. According to the ], the strikes hit "residential buildings and the industrial zone". The ], a ]-based war monitor, claimed the attacks killed four non-Syrian nationals, identified as members of Iranian-backed militias.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syria reports Israeli strikes in Palmyra |url=https://www.jns.org/syria-reports-israeli-strikes-in-palmyra/ |website=JNS |date=20 November 2024 |access-date=20 November 2024}}</ref>


== Attacks on American bases == == Attacks on American bases ==
{{Further information|Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria during the Israel–Hamas war}} {{main|Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria during the Israel–Hamas war}}
{{Expand section|date=November 2024}} {{Expand section|date=November 2024}}


Line 104: Line 99:
Israeli officials have defended the construction, citing the need to counter potential infiltrations by Iran-backed militias operating in southern Syria.<ref name="BBC13Nov2024"/> Israeli officials have defended the construction, citing the need to counter potential infiltrations by Iran-backed militias operating in southern Syria.<ref name="BBC13Nov2024"/>


The Israeli military has also emphasized its operational readiness along its "seven active fronts", with ] ] personally inspecting the border defenses in November 2024. Baram toured the ], which oversees the Golan front, and highlighted the creation of a "dynamic and advanced defensive zone" to counter threats from Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.<ref>{{Cite news|title="One of Our Secen Fronts".. Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff enters into Syrian Territory |url=https://www.syria.tv/إحدى-جبهاتنا-السبع-نائب-رئيس-الأركان-الإسرائيلي-يدخل-عمق-الأراضي-السورية?amp |date=14 November 2024|publisher=Syria TV | language=ar}}</ref> The Israeli military has also emphasized its operational readiness along its "seven active fronts", with ] ] personally inspecting the border defenses in November 2024. Baram toured the ], which oversees the Golan front, and highlighted the creation of a "dynamic and advanced defensive zone" to counter threats from Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.<ref>{{Cite news|title="One of Our Seven Fronts".. Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff enters into Syrian Territory |url=https://www.syria.tv/إحدى-جبهاتنا-السبع-نائب-رئيس-الأركان-الإسرائيلي-يدخل-عمق-الأراضي-السورية?amp |date=14 November 2024|publisher=Syria TV | language=ar}}</ref>


== Response by the Syrian government == == Response by the Syrian government ==
{{Expand section|date=November 2024}}<!-- On Syrian official statements--> {{Expand section|date=November 2024}}<!-- On Syrian official statements-->


===During the Ba'athist regime===
Despite frequent Israeli airstrikes and ground operations targeting Iranian and Hezbollah-linked assets in Syria, President ]’s government has largely avoided direct involvement in the broader ]. This restraint highlights Damascus's focus on stabilizing its own territories following years of civil war and combating ] that challenge its authority.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Despite frequent Israeli airstrikes and ground operations targeting Iranian and Hezbollah-linked assets in Syria, President ]’s government has largely avoided direct involvement in the broader ]. This restraint highlights Damascus's focus on stabilizing its own territories following years of civil war and combating ] that challenge its authority.{{cn|date=November 2024}}


Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the UN ] has accused Syria of daily violations of the ceasefire agreement, including the presence of armed militias within the Area of Separation. In a formal complaint to the UN Secretary-General, Erdan stated that such actions "only heighten tensions in an already volatile region."{{cn|date=November 2024}} Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the UN ] has accused Syria of daily violations of the ceasefire agreement, including the presence of armed militias within the Area of Separation. In a formal complaint to the UN Secretary-General, Erdan stated that such actions "only heighten tensions in an already volatile region."{{cn|date=November 2024}}

===After the Ba'athist regime's fall===


== Impact on 2024 rebel offensives == == Impact on 2024 rebel offensives ==

Latest revision as of 19:56, 27 December 2024

Ongoing military conflict in Syria

Spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria
Part of the spillover of the Israel–Hamas war, 2024 Iran–Israel conflict, Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war, 2024 Syrian opposition offensives and the Syrian civil war

Map of the extent of the Israeli Defense Forces' occupation of Syria
Date7 October 2023 – present
LocationSyria Israel
Result

Ongoing

Belligerents
 Israel
Allies:
 United States
 United Kingdom
 France
 Germany

Until 8 December 2024:
Ba'athist Syria Syrian Arab Republic  Surrendered
Allies:
 Iran
Popular Mobilization Forces
 Russia
Hezbollah

From 8 December 2024:
Syrian Transitional Government/Syrian opposition

Commanders and leaders
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel Katz
Ori Gordin

Until 8 December 2024
Ba'athist Syria Bashar al-Assad  Surrendered
Ali Khamenei
Naim Qassem
Vladimir Putin

From 8 December 2024
Syrian opposition Abu Mohammad al-Julani
Ba'athist Syria/Syrian opposition Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali
Syrian opposition Mohammed al-Bashir
Casualties and losses
Unknown 416 killed by IDF air strikes (2024)

The spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria is the impact and military engagements in Syria which are caused by the spillover of the Israel–Hamas war, and constitute a part of the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis. The conflict, originating in the Gaza Strip, has triggered regional tensions and violence, drawing Syria in through direct and indirect confrontations involving Israeli defense forces, Syrian state actors, and armed groups operating in Syrian territory.

Background

The Israel–Hamas war began when Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which involved a rocket barrage and a few thousand militants breaching the Gaza–Israel barrier, attacking Israeli civilian communities and military bases. During this attack, 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, including 815 civilians. In addition, 251 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive into Gaza, with the stated goal to force Israel to release Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hamas stated that its attack was in response to Israel's continued occupation, the blockade of Gaza, the expansion of settlements, disregard for international law, as well as alleged threats to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the general plight of Palestinians.

Following the attack, Israel launched one of the most destructive bombing campaigns in modern history and invaded Gaza on 27 October 2023 with the stated objectives of destroying Hamas and freeing hostages. The war resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed as of February 2024. The ongoing war has had significant regional repercussions, including attacks by groups aligned with Hamas on U.S. military bases and vessels, and Israel's invasion of Lebanon on 1 October 2024 after an escalation with Hezbollah.

The conflict has also spilled over into Syria, a country already devastated by its ongoing civil war and host to numerous proxy conflicts.

Israeli airstrikes on Syria

There have been numerous attacks claimed by or blamed on Israel since the start of the war in Gaza. In roughly the first year of the war, Israel struck Syria more than 220 times, killing 296 people. On 10 October 2023, Israel exchanged rocket and mortar fire with forces in southern Syria.

During October 2024, 700 members of the front for the liberation of the Golan where deployed to the Qunaitrah countryside, western Rif Dimashque, and western Daraa along the border of the Golan Heights following the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

From 12 to 22 October 2023, Israel launched at least three attacks on airports in Syria, including Damascus International Airport and Aleppo International Airport, ahead of a visit to Syria by Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Two workers from the Syrian meteorology service based at Damascus International Airport were killed.

On 24 October, Israeli airstrikes in Daraa Governorate reportedly resulted in the death of eight Syrian soldiers and injuries to seven others, as per Syria's state-run news agency SANA. The IDF acknowledged the airstrikes, stating they were a response to two rockets fired from Syria into Northern Israel.

Since 2024, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes at targets in Syria, including in Damascus and Aleppo. On 20 January 2024, Brigadier General Sadegh Omidzadeh, an intelligence officer with the IRGC Quds Force in Syria, along with four other IRGC officers, were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an Israeli missile strike targeted a four-story building in the Mezzeh district. The attack resulted in the death of thirteen individuals, including five Iranians, and the complete destruction of the building where leaders aligned with Iran were having a meeting.

Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria

Main article: Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus

On 1 April 2024, senior Quds Force commander of the IRGC, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was killed by a suspected Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus. Between five and seven people were killed in the airstrike according to Iranian ambassador, Hossein Akbari. The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighboring buildings, according to Syrian state media. Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer who has been killed since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani by the U.S. in January 2020.

On 13 July 2024, one soldier was killed and three other people were injured in Israeli strikes in and around Damascus. On 27 September 2024, Israeli forces struck the Lebanon-Syria border, killing five Syrian soldiers. On 30 September, several people including a state television presenter were killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus. On 4 October, two Israeli soldiers were killed and 24 were wounded in a drone attack by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq on an Israeli base in the Golan Heights. However, the group denied responsibility for the attack. On 8 October an Israeli airstrike on Damascus killed 13 people. On 14 October, two Israeli tanks crossed into Syria, positioning themselves south of Quneitra. On 20 October, a guided missile attack on a car killed two people near the Golden Mazzeh hotel in Damascus. On 31 October, SANA reported that Israeli strikes hit a number of residential buildings in Al-Qusayr, damaging its industrial zone and killing 10 people, including civilians. Israeli Army Radio reported that the strikes targeted assets and headquarters of PIJ. PIJ confirmed the death of two of its leaders and a group of its cadres. The IDF said that it struck Hezbollah command centers and weapon depots. On 14 November, Israeli strikes on Damascus killed at least 15 people.

On 20 November 2024, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in the vicinity of Palmyra, in Homs Governorate. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, the strikes hit "residential buildings and the industrial zone". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based war monitor, claimed the attacks killed four non-Syrian nationals, identified as members of Iranian-backed militias.

Attacks on American bases

Main article: Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria during the Israel–Hamas war
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to itadding to it or making an edit request. (November 2024)
Map of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria.

Iranian attacks on Israel

Further information: 2024 Iran–Israel conflict and Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to itadding to it or making an edit request. (November 2024)

Ground incursions into Syria

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to itadding to it or making an edit request. (November 2024)

For the first time during the war, Israeli forces carried out a ground operation in Syria, capturing Ali Soleiman al-Assi, a Syrian citizen allegedly involved in Iranian operations targeting the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. According to the Israeli military, al-Assi had been under surveillance for months. The operation, which occurred in southern Syria near Saida, was announced on 3 November 2024, although the exact timing of the raid remains unclear. Israel released body camera footage showing the apprehension of the individual, who has since been brought to Israel for interrogation. This announcement marked a significant shift in Israel’s strategy in Syria.

Israeli ground operations also extended into Lebanon, with naval forces reportedly capturing a senior Hezbollah operative in a raid on a northern Lebanese town. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that these operations aim to curb Hezbollah’s armament through Iranian supply lines passing through Syria.

Demilitarized buffer zone violations

See also: Israeli–Syrian ceasefire line incidents during the Syrian civil war

The United Nations has reported that Israeli construction along the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights has led to violations of the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria. Satellite imagery and field observations indicate that new trenches and earth berms have been constructed along the Area of Separation , with some reportedly crossing into the zone. UNDOF, the UN force monitoring the region, confirmed multiple incursions by Israeli military vehicles into the Area of Separation.

Israeli officials stated that these defenses are intended to prevent infiltration by Iran-backed militias. However, Syrian authorities have strongly protested the construction activities, which they claim exacerbate tensions along the frontier. The UN has raised concerns with Israeli authorities multiple times regarding these violations.

The Israeli military has intensified activities along the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, known as the "Alpha Line," in what it describes as defensive measures. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Associated Press in September 2024 revealed significant construction projects, including new trenches, paved roads, and barriers along more than 7.5 kilometers of the boundary. These actions have sparked criticism from the United Nations for violating the terms of the 1974 ceasefire agreement, which established the Area of Separation under UNDOF supervision.

Israeli officials have defended the construction, citing the need to counter potential infiltrations by Iran-backed militias operating in southern Syria.

The Israeli military has also emphasized its operational readiness along its "seven active fronts", with Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram personally inspecting the border defenses in November 2024. Baram toured the 210th Division, which oversees the Golan front, and highlighted the creation of a "dynamic and advanced defensive zone" to counter threats from Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.

Response by the Syrian government

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to itadding to it or making an edit request. (November 2024)

During the Ba'athist regime

Despite frequent Israeli airstrikes and ground operations targeting Iranian and Hezbollah-linked assets in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad’s government has largely avoided direct involvement in the broader Israel–Hezbollah conflict. This restraint highlights Damascus's focus on stabilizing its own territories following years of civil war and combating opposition forces that challenge its authority.

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan has accused Syria of daily violations of the ceasefire agreement, including the presence of armed militias within the Area of Separation. In a formal complaint to the UN Secretary-General, Erdan stated that such actions "only heighten tensions in an already volatile region."

After the Ba'athist regime's fall

Impact on 2024 rebel offensives

Further information: 2024 Syrian opposition offensives
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2024)

Hezbollah, which was a major ally of the Syrian government during the civil war, was severely weakened during its war with Israel. The deaths of Hassan Nasrallah and much of its military leadership, combined with the redeployment of Hezbollah fighters in Syria back to Lebanon, left a large power vacuum. Analysts attributed the significant pressure imposed on Syrian-ally Iran was a significant factor in the government's defeats, precipitated by Israel's attacks on it and its allies.

Israeli invasion of Syria

Main article: 2024 Israeli invasion of Syria
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to itadding to it or making an edit request. (December 2024)

During the decisive battle of Damascus and subsequent fall of the Assad regime on 7–8 December 2024, Israeli forces initiated military operations in Syria's Quneitra Governorate. Armored units advanced into the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force buffer zone in between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and targeting the central countryside of the Quneitra Governorate with artillery fire.

See also

References

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