Israel Launches Airstrikes on Syria, Targeting Chemical Weapons and Missiles

After Syrian rebel forces overthrew the government, Israel launched airstrikes targeting strategic weapons remaining in Syria.

According to reports from Reuters and the Financial Times, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the strikes were aimed at preventing these weapons—such as chemical arms, long-range missiles, and rockets—from falling into the hands of extremists. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz also stated that he had ordered the military to continue destroying Syria’s remaining missile systems, rockets, and air defense units.

Arab media outlets reported that Damascus, Syria’s capital, was hit multiple times the previous day. It is believed that Israel targeted ammunition depots in the attacks. Reuters, citing sources, also noted that a research facility used by Iran for missile development was among the targets.

In a related move, Israeli forces deployed ground troops to Syria’s buffer zone. Katz emphasized the importance of reinforcing control over this area, which has been free of heavy weaponry and terrorist infrastructure and securing zones of peace. He also stressed the need to prevent the resumption of weapon smuggling routes that run from Iran through Syria to Lebanon.

Israel has held control of the Golan Heights since the 1967 Six-Day War, which was once Syrian territory. A buffer zone was established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria, with a United Nations monitoring force stationed there. The Israeli military’s recent entry into the buffer zone marks the first time in 50 years. Saar referred to this move as a “limited and temporary measure.”