Israel Intensifies Airstrikes in Syria Amid Regime Collapse - Seeks to Neutralize Threats

Israel has launched a series of intense airstrikes throughout Syria, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing military operations aimed at neutralizing potential threats following the collapse of the Assad regime. According to Western intelligence sources, over 300 airstrikes have been carried out since the fall of the Syrian capital, Damascus, including extensive attacks on Syrian Air Force bases, military airports, and critical defense infrastructure.

These operations are seen as Israel’s effort to weaken Syria’s military capabilities, particularly its air defense systems and air force, which have been a consistent challenge to Israel's regional air superiority. The Syrian Air Force has already suffered significant losses, with entire squadrons of MiG and Sukhoi jets reportedly destroyed. Sources suggest that the Syrian Air Force could be virtually incapacitated within days, marking a historic blow to Syria's ability to challenge Israel’s aerial dominance.

Destruction of Advanced Air Defense Systems

The Israeli airstrikes have also targeted Syria’s dense network of surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, which have historically posed a significant obstacle to Israeli operations in the region. These defense systems, which were heavily upgraded and restored by Russia over the past decade, have been among the most advanced in the world. Israel’s successful dismantling of these batteries is seen as a pivotal moment, especially given their role in the downing of an Israeli F-16 in 2018.

Over the past 48 hours, dozens of Syrian air defense batteries have been destroyed, further solidifying Israel's military superiority over its northern neighbor. Reports indicate that both short-range and long-range missile systems have been neutralized, leaving Syria’s airspace vulnerable to Israeli incursions.

Russian Withdrawal and the Fall of Damascus

In a dramatic turn of events, Russia has begun evacuating its diplomatic staff from Damascus, signaling the possible end of its military presence in Syria. While Russia’s Khmeimim base in the northwest has been a stronghold for Russian forces during the Syrian civil war, its continued involvement appears increasingly tenuous. With the Assad regime on the brink of collapse, Russian assets in Syria are being withdrawn, leaving behind a power vacuum in the region.

This shift is being closely monitored by Israel, which views the potential instability in Syria as a strategic opportunity to diminish the threat from both Syrian and Iranian-backed forces operating in the country.

Israel Strikes Key Rebel Positions

Following the collapse of the Assad regime, Israel has stepped up its efforts to prevent the transfer of weapons to extremist rebel factions, including Iran-aligned militias. In the past 48 hours, Israeli airstrikes have targeted numerous sites across Syria, including warehouses and military posts near Damascus, Homs, and the Golan Heights.

Reports suggest that Israel’s primary objective is to secure weapons depots and prevent the spread of advanced military technology to rebel groups, including chemical weapons. Among the targets were facilities in the Barza area of Damascus, which has been linked to Iran’s missile development program and the production of chemical weapons.

Chemical Weapons Fears and Strategic Stockpiles

Israeli officials have expressed grave concern that remnants of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile could fall into the hands of hostile forces. While the regime of Bashar al-Assad has been accused of using chemical weapons on multiple occasions during the civil war, Israel fears that these deadly materials could be used against Israeli civilians if left unchecked.

Jeremy Issacharoff, former deputy director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, noted that Israel has been tracking Syria’s chemical weapons program since 2010 and believes that Syria still possesses significant stockpiles of sarin, VX, and mustard gas. These weapons are believed to be dispersed across the country, and Israeli officials are working to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of extremist groups.

IDF on High Alert Along Golan Heights Border

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ramped up security measures along the Golan Heights border. Forces from Israel's elite paratrooper and mountain brigades have been deployed to strategic points along the buffer zone, while additional artillery and armor units are stationed to safeguard the region.

The IDF is also conducting extensive reconnaissance operations to prevent weapons from being transferred from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon or other Iran-backed militias in the region. With the Syrian army in disarray and key military positions abandoned, Israel is taking no chances in securing its borders and preventing the destabilization of the region.

Israel Confirms Airstrikes to Safeguard  Security

In an official statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that Israel's airstrikes are aimed at protecting the country's national security. “We are working to ensure that these strategic weapons and chemical weapons capabilities do not fall into the hands of extremist elements,” Sa’ar said during a briefing to foreign journalists. “Our priority is the security of the State of Israel and its citizens.”

Sa’ar also highlighted Israel’s ongoing dialogue with local Kurdish and Druze groups in Syria, emphasizing the country’s proactive stance in preventing further escalation along its northern border.

International Reactions and Regional Implications

As Israel continues its operations in Syria, the regional and international implications remain significant. The withdrawal of Russian forces and the collapse of the Assad regime are likely to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. Israel’s actions, while aimed at neutralizing immediate threats, also signal a broader strategy of ensuring that Syria does not become a haven for hostile actors with access to advanced weaponry.

The continuing airstrikes are a reminder of the volatile nature of the Syrian conflict and the complex web of alliances and rivalries that shape the future of the region. With the Assad regime nearing its end, the question remains: who will fill the power vacuum, and how will Israel navigate the uncertain geopolitical landscape in the coming months?