Israel, US bombings in Syria risk further destabilization, says legal analyst
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Israel launched over 350 airstrikes across Syria, targeting military airfields, missile depots, and weapons production sites, while also striking two Syrian naval facilities. The Israeli Defense Minister announced plans to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria to prevent terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Israel's military actions in the region.
Israel launched a series of heavy airstrikes across Syria on Tuesday, with its troops advancing further into Syrian territory, according to a Syrian opposition war monitor. The Israeli Defense Minister also confirmed that Israel had destroyed Syria’s navy. While Israel acknowledged pushing into a buffer zone inside Syria, a region established more than 50 years ago, the extent of their advance beyond this area remained unclear. However, Israel firmly denied any efforts to advance toward the Syrian capital, Damascus.
The Israeli military announced that over the past 48 hours, it had carried out more than 350 airstrikes across Syria, targeting a wide array of strategic military sites. The airstrikes aimed to prevent key military assets from falling into the hands of extremist groups. Among the targeted facilities were air defense systems, missile depots, military airfields, and dozens of weapons production sites, primarily located in Damascus and other key Syrian cities. Journalists in Damascus reported hearing heavy airstrikes overnight, continuing into Tuesday morning.
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a Professor of Law and International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, commented on Israel’s actions, noting that the situation could lead to further destabilization in the region. She warned that Israel’s use of tanks for the first time since 1973, following the occupation of Syrian territories since 1967, might lead to the seizure of additional territory. O’Connell argued that such actions would likely provoke contestation from future forces, leading to even greater instability in Syria.
In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli missile ships targeted two Syrian naval facilities, where 15 Syrian naval vessels were docked. While Israel did not specify how many of these vessels were hit, private security firm Ambrey reported evidence that at least six Soviet-era missile ships had been damaged or destroyed. This coordinated strike against Syria’s navy was part of Israel’s broader strategy to cripple Syria’s military infrastructure.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz further clarified Israel’s intentions in the region. Speaking at a navy base in Haifa, Katz outlined Israel’s objective of creating a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. He emphasized that Israel would establish a “defense zone free of weapons and terrorist threats” to prevent terrorism from taking root in Syria. Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to preventing the rise of extremist groups in Syria and warned that anyone aligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would face consequences. He specifically referred to those following Assad’s path, asserting that they would meet the same fate as the Syrian leader. Israel has long been concerned about the potential use of the Syria-Lebanon border for smuggling weapons to Hezbollah militants, further adding to regional security concerns.
The proximity of Israel’s military actions to Damascus and its buffer zone raises alarm throughout the region. Damascus is located just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the buffer zone, and only a few additional miles separate the buffer zone from Israeli territory. This close proximity to such critical geopolitical areas heightens regional fears, as military movements in this area can easily escalate into broader regional conflicts.
Meanwhile, there was no immediate comment from the insurgent groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has control over much of the country. The political situation in Syria continues to evolve, as members of the ousted Syrian government prepare to transfer power to a new transitional cabinet. The new transitional government will be headed by Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led the rebel alliance’s “salvation government” in southwestern Syria. On Tuesday, al-Bashir held his first meeting with outgoing officials. He announced that the transitional period would last until March, signaling a potential shift in Syria’s political landscape.
Israel’s military actions in Syria come as part of its ongoing efforts to weaken the Syrian government and prevent the spread of extremist groups in the region. The strikes are seen as an effort to maintain Israel’s security in the face of ongoing regional instability and to prevent the buildup of military threats along its borders. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the potential for increased military conflict remains a major concern for the region, with geopolitical tensions continuing to rise.
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