In a seismic shift for the Middle East, Syrian rebel forces have overthrown Bashar al-Assad, ending his long-standing regime in Syria. In the wake of Damascus’s capture by rebels, both the United States and Israel have escalated military operations within Syria, each pursuing their strategic goals.
The U.S. has launched extensive airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets, focusing on preventing the militant group from exploiting the chaos that followed Assad’s removal. The U.S. Central Command has acknowledged hitting at least 75 IS-related locations, aiming to suppress any resurgence or growth of the group in the newly formed power vacuum in Syria.
Meanwhile, Israel has capitalized on the changed political landscape to advance its regional objectives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directly linked the fall of Damascus to Israeli military efforts against Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. He claimed, “Our actions against Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran were key factors in the collapse of Assad’s rule,” highlighting Israel’s strategy to undermine the “axis of resistance” led by Iran and its allies.
Israel’s military has moved into areas near Damascus, including zones protected by the 1974 disengagement agreement, stirring international concerns about potential conflict escalation. Israeli troops have reportedly entered Syrian territory to safeguard their borders and to stop any emerging threats from setting up close to Israel. The IDF has executed numerous airstrikes on Syrian military sites, especially those suspected to hold chemical weapons, to keep such dangerous materials out of the hands of extremist groups.