In recent weeks, Israel has significantly escalated its military operations in Syria, conducting a series of air strikes and ground operations that have raised concerns about regional stability and humanitarian impact. These actions come in the wake of political changes in Syria following the end of Bashar al-Assad's rule and amid growing tensions between Israel and Turkey. This comprehensive analysis examines the recent developments, strategic motivations, international reactions, and human toll of Israel's intensified campaign in Syria.
Recent Escalation of Attacks
Israel has conducted hundreds of attacks on Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, citing security concerns and distrust of the new Syrian government NPR1. However, recent operations mark a notable escalation in both frequency and intensity.
In early April 2025, Israel carried out what Reuters described as "some of the most intense" strikes yet, targeting three strategic air bases across Syria—T4 and Palmyra in Homs province and the main airport in Hama province Reuters2. According to Syria's foreign ministry, Israel struck five separate areas within a 30-minute window, resulting in the "near-total destruction" of the Hama base and wounding dozens of civilians and soldiers.
The attack on the T4 air base was particularly devastating, with intelligence sources reporting that it "destroyed the runway, tower, hangars and the planes that were grounded" Reuters2. These strikes appear to be part of a broader pattern of escalation that has included both air campaigns and ground operations.
Ground Operations and Civilian Impact
Beyond the air strikes, Israel has intensified its ground operations in southern Syria, particularly in the buffer zone between the two countries. YnetNews reports that "tensions between locals in southern Syria and Israeli forces operating in the buffer zone... have intensified in recent weeks" YnetNews3.
A deadly confrontation occurred in late March 2025 in the city of Nawa in Syria's Daraa province. According to Syrian media, at least 10 civilians were killed during clashes that erupted when mosque loudspeakers urged residents to confront Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops. The IDF reported that its forces had come under fire from gunmen and "responded by eliminating several attackers from the ground and air" YnetNews3.
The human toll of these operations extends beyond direct military engagements. On March 25, Aza Mohamed, a 40-year-old mother of six, lost her leg below the knee due to an Israeli artillery shell NPR1. YnetNews also reports that in Quneitra, Israeli forces have allegedly killed livestock, detained herds, and restricted access to farmland YnetNews3.
Daily military activities in the region now include "patrols, roadblocks, and the inspection of civilians' mobile phones" across the buffer zone, contributing to growing anti-Israel sentiment among the local population YnetNews4.
Strategic Context and Motivations
The strategic context of Israel's operations in Syria is complex and multifaceted, with different news sources offering varying interpretations.
According to NPR, Israel's actions reflect its distrust of the new Syrian government following Assad's fall, prompting efforts to "disarm southern Syria" NPR1. This security-focused rationale emphasizes Israel's concerns about potential threats emanating from its northern neighbor.
Al Jazeera presents a more critical analysis, suggesting that Israel's attacks are part of a deliberate strategy to keep its neighbors "unstable, weak and fragmented." Citing conversations with experts and analysts, the outlet argues that Israel benefits from having dysfunctional neighboring states, thereby securing its position as the strongest regional power Al Jazeera5.
Elia Ayoub, a researcher quoted by Al Jazeera, states: "The Israelis believe that having weaker neighbors, as in states that aren't really able to function, is beneficial for them" Al Jazeera5.
Israel-Turkey Tensions
A significant development highlighted by Reuters is that the targeted air bases had recently been visited by Turkish military teams. According to the report, "Turkey scoped out at least three air bases in Syria where it could deploy forces as part of a planned joint defence pact before Israel hit the sites with air strikes" Reuters2.
This revelation adds a new dimension to the conflict, suggesting growing tensions between Israel and Turkey over influence in Syria. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ankara of seeking a "Turkish protectorate" in Syria, while Turkey's foreign ministry labeled Israel "the greatest threat to regional security" Reuters2.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the air strikes as a warning that "we will not allow the security of the State of Israel to be harmed" Reuters2. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey wanted "no confrontation with Israel in Syria," suggesting an attempt to de-escalate tensions Reuters2.
Experts like Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute, warn that Turkey and Israel are on an "ideological collision course" but could potentially avoid military escalation through mediation with Washington Reuters2.
Broader Regional Context
Israel's operations in Syria cannot be viewed in isolation but must be understood within the broader context of regional instability and Israel's simultaneous actions in Lebanon.
Al Jazeera reports that Lebanon has recently "emerged from a prolonged Israeli assault that killed more than 4,000 people and destroyed swaths of the country" Al Jazeera5. The article describes villages along Lebanon's southern border that "were obliterated during the war and others were completely razed since the ceasefire was agreed on" Al Jazeera5.
This parallel campaign in Lebanon suggests what some analysts describe as a coordinated effort to maintain regional dominance. Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, stated: "The very clear path ahead is that Israel has no limits in its operations within Lebanon" Al Jazeera5.
Implications and Outlook
The escalation of Israeli military operations in Syria has several significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
First, it risks further deteriorating Israel-Turkey relations, potentially drawing in other regional powers and complicating diplomatic efforts. As Reuters notes, the situation signals "the risks of a deepening rift between two powerful regional militaries over Syria" Reuters2.
Second, it exacerbates anti-Israel sentiment among civilian populations in both Syria and Lebanon. YnetNews acknowledges that while Israel's actions may be "deemed necessary from an Israeli security standpoint," they are "inflaming anti-Israel sentiment among civilians in southern Syria" YnetNews3.
Third, it raises questions about the future stability of Syria as it attempts to transition to a post-Assad era. Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International quoted by Al Jazeera, suggests that Israel is positioning itself for a scenario in which Syria becomes increasingly fragmented Al Jazeera5.
As Dr. Carmit Valensi, head of the Northern Program at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, told YnetNews, such clashes "reverberate across Syria" and contribute to a "new layer of instability" in the region YnetNews3.
Conclusion
Israel's intensified operations in Syria represent a complex intersection of security concerns, regional power dynamics, and geopolitical competition. While Israeli authorities frame these actions as necessary security measures against potential threats, they have significant humanitarian consequences and risk escalating tensions with other regional powers, particularly Turkey.
The differing perspectives offered by international media sources reflect the multifaceted nature of this conflict. From security-focused rationales to critical analyses of regional power strategies, understanding the full picture requires considering multiple viewpoints.
As a Western diplomatic source quoted by Al Jazeera observed: "This [Israeli] government has shown that it knows how to make war. But it has yet to show that it knows how to make peace" Al Jazeera5. This observation perhaps best encapsulates the ongoing challenge facing the region as military operations continue with no clear diplomatic resolution in sight.
This blog post synthesizes information from multiple sources including NPR, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and YnetNews. All facts and quotes have been attributed to their original sources.
