Per Israel: 1 soldier killed 3 soldiers injured (non-combat)[21] PerSOHR: 7 soldiers injured[22] Per Syrian Popular Resistance: Multiple wounded 1+ vehicles damaged [23]
PerSNHR: 38 civilians killed 6 soldiers killed[b] 26+ arrested/detained[c] PerSOHR: 33–43 civilians killed 30–35 soldiers killed[d] 1 unknown person killed[78] 41+ arrested[e] Several tanks and drones lost[104] PerBBC: 7 journalists detained[105]Material losses: Multiple military sites destroyed as well as ground, air and naval assets.[106]
Following thefall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024,Israel invaded thebuffer zone in southwesternSyria (adjacent to theIsraeli-occupiedGolan Heights) and has continued to occupy it. Israel also carried out an aerial bombing campaign to cripple the newSyrian Armed Forces, and demanded that it stay out of southern Syria. Israel's government claimed this was to thwart any "potential threat" from post-war Syria.
Israel took advantage of thepower vacuum created by the fall of former Syrian presidentBashar al-Assad to increase the amount of territory it controlled by several hundred square miles.[107] Israel declared the1974 Agreement on Disengagement withBa'athist Syria to be void.[108][109] Israel initially said this new invasion would be "temporary", but later said it would hold onto the territory for an "unlimited time".[110] Israel also launched extensive aerial and naval strikes on Syrian military targets across the country, under an operation codenamedOperation Arrow of Bashan (Hebrew:מבצע חץ הבשן,romanized: Mivtza Ḥetz HaBashan).[111][112] Israel's campaign crippled Syria's military capabilities, includingits army andits navy, and destroyed itschemical weapons stockpiles.
Israel's campaign in Syria was internationally condemned and was accused of violatinginternational law.[113] Syrian PresidentAhmed al-Sharaa condemned Israel's actions and demanded withdrawal, but also said his country was not in a position to be drawn into another war following the 14-yearSyrian civil war.[114][115]
On 25 February 2025, Israel deepened its invasion of southern Syria while conducting a wave of airstrikes there and inDamascus, one day after demanding theSyrian caretaker government demilitarize southern Syria. Since the July 2025Suwayda clashes, Israel has launched airstrikes against the Syrian military that it says are in defense of theSyrian Druze.
In November 2024, the United Nations accused Israel of violating the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement in November with engineering work and battle tanks inside the demilitarized zone.[119] UNDOF stated it had "repeatedly engaged with the IDF to protest the construction."[119] Israel responded that it was "working to establish a barrier on Israeli territory exclusively in order to thwart a possible terrorist invasion and protect the security of Israel's borders," and that "Israeli and IDF officials maintain close contact with UN officials who are familiar with the threats in the region."[119]
The collective ofDruze community leaders in Syria condemned the invasion.[122] The newly formedSuwayda Military Council declared its commitment to integrating into the Syrian Army while also supporting the demilitarization of southern Syria. TheSheikh al-Karama Forces, a Druze military organization affiliated with the FSA condemned the invasion as a violation of Syria's sovereignty and stated they would work with opposition forces.[123] Sheikh al-Karama Forces had issued a joint statement with theAl-Jabal Brigade in January 2025 emphasizing that it was prepared to integrate into a united "military body" in southern Syria.[124]
Israeli objectives
On 9 December 2024, Israeli Defense MinisterIsrael Katz issued orders for military objectives in southern Syria. The IDF received four primary strategic objectives from Katz to conduct "in the immediate term":[125]
To secure complete control over the buffer zone and other nearby strategic positions in Syria.
To establish a security zone extending beyond the buffer zone, focusing on removing all heavy weaponry and terrorist infrastructure that could pose a threat to Israel, while establishing contact with local Druze communities and other regional communities.
To continue destroying strategic heavy weapons systems throughout Syria, including air defense networks, missile systems, and coastal defense installations.
Israel has also stated its demands for all Syrian territory south of Damascus to be demilitarized, including the governorates ofQuneitra,Daraa andSuwayda, and that it would not tolerate threats against theDruze in southern Syria.[126][127]
Events
Ground offensive
Israeli soldiers patrolling the ceasefire line in the Golan Heights, December 2024
Following theadvance of the Syrian opposition in the south, Israel reinforcedDivision 210 and deployed additional troops to theGolan Heights to prevent any possible threats.[128] When Syrian opposition forces first occupied the southern town ofHader, it was reported that the IDF had advanced further into the Golan Heights to repel an attack on aUnited Nations post in the area.[129][130] Additionally, the IDF significantly reinforced its presence within the established buffer zone.[131][132]
2024
On 8 December 2024, Israeli armored units, includingmain battle tanks, crossed the ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights fence and entered the buffer zone during early morning operations. Israeli Army Radio stated that the IDF andNorthern Command initiated the operation in order to strengthen itsborder with Syria and prevent spillover or attacks against Israel.[132][133][134]
Israeli convoy advancing into Syria, December 2024
The military advance extended into theQuneitra Governorate, with substantial forces entering the town ofKhan Arnabah. Syrian media reported that Israeli forces had advanced into the city center ofal-Salam.[133] Following the advance into the Quneitra Governorate and the Syrian-controlled side ofMount Hermon by the Israeli Special ForcesShaldag Unit (Unit 5101),[9] Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying that the 1974 ceasefire agreement had collapsed when Syrian soldiers abandoned their posts in the Golan Heights, and that the area was to be temporarily occupied[f] to "ensure that no hostile force embeds itself next to the border of Israel."[136] During the takeover, IDF spokesmanAvichay Adraee announced a curfew in five Syrian villages, including Quneitra, ordering locals of the border towns to remain inside "until further notice."[137][138] On 8 December 2024,Al Arabiya reported that Israel had taken control ofTell al-Hara.[139] On 10 December correspondents forAl Jazeera andEnab Baladi reported Israeli tanks in several Syrian villages such asBeer Ajam.[140][141] Although Israeli tanks were also reported as far asQatana, 26 kilometres (16 mi) fromDamascus[142] an IDF spokesman insisted that "IDF forces are not advancing towards Damascus. This is not something we are doing or pursuing in any way" while acknowledging that, beyond the buffer zone, "a few additional points" had been seized. The Israeli Defense Minister also stated that Israel aims to establish a "sterile defence zone" in southern Syria to "prevent the establishment and organisation of terror in Syria".[143]
On 11 December, orthodoxChabad Jews printed theTanya, a central Chabad religious text, from a light truck on Syrian land, at the base of Mount Hermon, a short distance to the east of the purple line.[144]
On 12 December, Syrian residents of Hader,Hamidiya, andUmm Batna in Quneitra Governorate were displaced from their homes after the IDF entered with military vehicles, with Israeli troops subsequently probing Umm Batna in its entirety.[145]
From 12 to 13 December, Syrian sources reported that Israeli forces conducted formal meetings with local community representatives in theYarmouk Basin area in southwesternDaraa Governorate, reportedly using loudspeakers and a low-flying drone to broadcast messages urging meetings and requirements. The Israeli military reportedly articulated specific security requirements for the local population, including the surrender of all weapons in the village, compliance with home search operations, and the prohibition of armed resistance against any military operations. Syrian sources also claimed that Israeli troops used loudspeakers to warn villagers in the area to evacuate their residences.[146][147]
On 15 December Israel attempted to depopulate several Syrian villages in the newly occupied part of the Golan Heights. After the residents declined, Israel began destroying the electricity and water networks in the villages to attempt to forcibly evict them.[148] The Israeli government also declared that it would expand Israel settlements in the Golan Heights.[149] Netanyahu announced plans to double the Golan Heights' population in a statement on the 15th, saying Israel would continue to hold onto it and that "Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel."[150]
On 18 December, it was reported that over 100 Syrian families had been forcibly expelled from the Golan Heights by the Israeli military.[153] Witnesses describe that Israeli soldiers had opened fire on them and on their homes.[153] The United Nations peacekeepers have been removing Israeli flags in the newly occupied area.[153]
On 19 December, it was reported that the Israeli military is preventing Syrian farmers inMa'ariya from accessing their fields.[3]
On 20 December, the Israeli military occupied two addition Syrian villages,Jamlah andMaaraba, and then shot bullets at Syrians protesting the Israeli occupation.[154]
On 25 December, the Israeli military shot at protesters in the Syrian villages of Suweisa and Diwaya Al-Kabira in the Quneitra Governorate.[155]
On 30 December, Israeli forces advanced intoMadinat al-Baath and searched the local administrative offices.[156] On the same day, Israeli military lecturer Rami Simani stated that Syria has "never had a real right to exist" and that "Israel can and must cause Syria to disappear", advocating a partition of Syria.[157]
2025
On 9 January, Israeli officials said that they are going to occupy for "the long run" a 15 km "zone of control" and 60 km "sphere of influence" deeper into Syria.[158]
On 11 February, Israeli Army Radio reported that Israel would prolong the occupation of their newly invaded territory in Syria throughout 2025.[135]
On 23 February, the IDF confirmed that it had built at least nine army posts in Syria, including two on Mount Hermon and seven on the buffer zone.[161]
On 25 February, the IDF completed raids southernRif Dimashq, in the villages of Al-Kiswa, andDaraa, in the vicinity of the city ofIzra and penetrating the outskirts of Al-Bakar village, and penetrated the administrative borders between the governorates ofDaraa andQuneitra in southern Syria and the Ain al-Bayda area in the countryside of Quneitra in southern Syria, also taking the villages of Sidon Al-Golan and Sidon Al-Hanout in the countryside of Quneitra.[162][163] This came after plans to install advanced military technology, border fencing, and checkpoints in the borders of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.[164]
On 1 March, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to prepare to defend the Druze community inJaramana followingclashes between Syrian security forces and a local group called the "Jaramana Shield Brigade" that left one Syrian soldier dead.[166][167]
On 8 March, the IDF announced that it carried out several raids in southern Syria the week prior, capturing and destroying weapons.[168]
On 19 March 2025, Israel launched its largest incursion yet, capturing the village of Al-Adnaniyah in the countryside of Quneitra Governorate.[169]
On 25 March, several Syrian gunmen attacked Israeli soldiers inKuwaya. No Israeli troops were harmed, and five people were killed by retaliatory fire and a drone strike. Also that day, the IDF announced that theParatroopers Brigade andYahalom had carried out several raids against weapon storage sites in southern Syria in recent weeks.[170]
On 2 April, Israeli forces conducted a deep incursion in Daraa Governorate, advancing towardsNawa.[171] Mosques called upon residents to defend,[172] and some 2,000 men bearing hunting rifles or no arms mobilised to prevent the Israelis from capturing the nearby Jabiliya Dam, whose reservoir supplies water to Nawa and its surrounding settlements.[173] In response, Israeli forces conducted drone strikes that killed nine people, although they later withdrew.[172][173] Thousands attended the funerals of those killed the following day, including Daraa governorAnwar al-Zoubi.[172]
On 4 April, it was reported that the Israeli military and Israeli settler movement began organizing trips for Israeli civilians inside the newly occupied part of Syria.[174][175]
On 10 April, the Israeli newspaperYnet reported that Israeli soldiers have been shooting at Syrian shepherds and that 100 sheep had been killed.[176] The Israelis have also prevented Syrians from accessing their farmland and have fired towards and threatened Syrian civilians at the Al-Mantra Dam in Quneitra.[176]
On the 29 of April, Israeli ministerBezalel Smotrich stated: "we will end this campaign when Syria is dismantled".[177]
On 1 May, an Israeli soldier from the890th Battalion was killed and three others suffered minor injuries following a car accident during an operation onHighway 98 in the Golan Heights.[21]
On 3 May, the IDF announced that it sent troops to southern Syria who were ready to "prevent the entry of hostile forces into the area of Druze villages" amiddeadly clashes in the area. It also evacuated 15 Syrian Druze wounded in the clashes to hospitals in Israel throughout the week.[178]
On 9 May, sevenBBC Arabic journalists, includingFeras Kilani, were detained at gunpoint by Israeli soldiers while they were filming in the area of an unguarded checkpoint, around 200 kilometres (120 mi) fromQuneitra. The soldiers took them to a room in the crossing point between Quneitra and the Golan Heights, where they were all handcuffed and blindfolded except for Kilani, who was told that he would be treated differently. The team was held for about seven hours, during which they werestrip searched, interrogated, and had photos on their phones and laptops deleted.[105]
On 3 June, a barrage ofGrad rockets was fired at Israel fromTasil, setting off sirens in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. The rockets struck open areas nearRamat Magshimim, and the IDF responded with artillery fire.[179] A second barrage was fired minutes later, but it is unclear if it came from Syria.[180] A group called the "Martyr Muhammad al-Deif Brigades" claimed responsibility for the attack.[181]
On 12 June, Syrian sources reported that around 100 Israeli soldiers raidedBeit Jinn, killing one person and detaining seven others. The IDF said that it arrested severalHamas operatives who were planning attacks on Israel and also uncovered weapons in the area, although villagers denied ties with Hamas.[182]
On 19 June, Israeli forces advanced at least 1.5 km into several towns in the Quneitra Governorate. According to local sources, Israeli soldiers destroyed at least fifteen homes, agricultural and forest areas.[183][184]
On 13 July, the IDF announced that it seized over three tons of weapons such as bombs, anti-tank mines, and rockets from military facilities in southern Syria that belonged to the Assad government.[185]
On 27 August, Israeli helicopters landed on a hilltop near Damascus and dropped off troops near theJabal Manea airbase, where they conducted a two-hour operation before withdrawing.[186]
On 14 September, the IDF carried out a ground operation in Daraa province and carried out searches in the towns ofJamla and Saysoun.[187]
Airstrikes
2024
On 8 December 2024, theIsraeli Air Force conducted targeted operations against weapons storage facilities, which Israel considered strategic threats, across southern Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of opposition forces.[188][131] Israeli officials claimed that the targets included small stockpiles ofchemical weapons, mainlymustard gas andVX gas, radar-equipped batteries, vehicles of Russian-made air defense missiles, and stockpiles ofScud missiles.[138] TheWhite Helmets reported that: "there was no evidence of unusual toxic fumes during the extinguishing of the fire, and no cases of suffocation were observed among civilians"[189] Israel also reportedly launched airstrikes on Syrian intelligence and customs headquarters, with explosions reported at their locations in Damascus.[137][190] Later, Israel also heavily shelledMezzeh Air Base.[191]
A Syrian warplane destroyed by Israeli airstrikes onMezzeh Air Base
In the early hours of 9 December 2024, Israel conducted several airstrikes across theDaraa andSuwayda Governorates in southern Syria. Six airstrikes were reported at an airbase north ofSuwayda, while multiple others targeted ammo depots in Nawa and the Daraa countryside.[192] By evening, the Israeli Air Force and Navy had struck naval assets in thePort of Latakia,[193][106] and an alleged chemical weapons production center inBarzeh,[194] andQamishli Airport in northern Syria.[1] These roughly 200[142] airstrikes, including strikes on Damascus, Daraa, Latakia, and Hama,[195] destroyed dozens of fighter jets and helicopters in the first phase and the entireSyrian naval fleet in the second.[196] An Israeli senior official said airstrikes "would persist in the coming days".[197][198]
In the morning of 10 December, photographs revealed sunkenOsa-class missile boats in the Port of Latakia after overnight Israeli strikes.[196] The IDF announced that its air force and navy conducted over 480 strikes in Syria in the span of 48 hours, 350 of which targeted airfields, anti-aircraft batteries, missiles, drones, fighter jets, tanks, and weapon production sites,[199] destroying between 70% and 80% of Syria's strategic weapons. It added that 15 naval vessels were destroyed in strikes onMinet el-Beida and Latakia.[11][199] Overnight on 16 December, Israel struck radar and air defense systems in Tartous and Damascus, with the strikes on Tartous using notably heavy munitions. In the eight days since the fall of the Assad government, Israel struck Syria around 600 times. Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar said that "Israel is pursuing a strategy of diminishing this country's air defence capability and also its air forces."[200] A senior Israeli security source described it as the "largest air operation carried out by its air force in its history".[143] A former rebel commander claimed that they will "need decades to rebuild a national Syrian army".[12]A Turkish newspaper report alleged that Assad gave information about Syrian military sites to Israel in exchange for safe passage out of the country.[201]
On December 18, Netanyahu promised that he would not strike the area near the prison close to Damascus where American journalistAustin Tice might be held. His mother had sent him a letter two days earlier, urging him to halt Israel's airstrikes in Syria to enable the search for him to continue.[202]
On 29 December 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed in what is believed to be an Israeli airstrike on a former Syrian Army weapons depot inAdra, near Damascus.[52][203][204]
On 25 February, Syria condemned Israel's occupation of Syrian lands at its national dialogue and demanded Israel's withdrawal.[206] Hours later, Israel conducted a wave of airstrikes inDamascus and southern Syria, one day after it demanded theSyrian caretaker government demilitarize inQuneitra,Daraa, andSuwayda.[207][208][209][210] At least two people were killed southwest of Damascus.[211]
On 10 March, the IDF said that it conducted airstrikes on radar systems, detection equipment, and military sites and headquarters storing weapons and equipment in Daraa Governorate. It deployed 22 fighter jets in the strikes, which dropped over 60 munitions on dozens of sites. Syrian sources reported strikes inIzra andJabab on military sites that belonged to the 12th Brigade and the 89th Battalion of the Syrian Army under Assad.[212][213]
On 13 March, the IDF struck the home ofPalestinian Islamic Jihad leaderZiyad al-Nakhalah inDummar, which it said served as a PIJ headquarters. Although the home was empty, one person was reportedly killed in the strike.[214]
On 17 March, the IDF said that it conducted strikes on command centers and military posts that contained weapons and vehicles belonging to the Assad regime in southern Syria. TheSyrian Arab News Agency reported that two people were killed and 19 others were injured in a strike in Daraa.[215]
On 21 March, the IDF said that it conducted airstrikes against military targets inPalmyra and theTiyas Air Base inHoms Governorate. At least two Syrian security personnel were reportedly injured.[216]
On 25 March, IDF killed four civilians in Kuya village in Yarmouk Basin in the western countryside of Daraa.[217]
On 2 April, Israel carried out 11 airstrikes on Damascus and Hama.[218]
On 3 April, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Daraa, killing at least 11 people and Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets, warning of the presence of "gunmen" in the area.[219][220]
On 30 April, the IDF said that it carried out a drone strike on the outskirts of Damascus against an armed group allegedly preparing to attack the Druze community inSuwayda. The Syrian government said that a security officer was killed and several others were injured.[221] This came afterMowafaq Tarif, a Druze leader in Israel, pressed the Israeli government to "act" in the interests of the minority religious group.[222][223][224]
On 2 May, the IDF launched airstrikes near thepresidential palace in Damascus, warning the Syrian military to halt its offensive against the Druze.[225] Later that day, SOHR reported at least 20 Israeli strikes on military sites in Syria. According to SANA, the strikes occurred in Damascus, Latakia, Hama, and Daraa, killing one inHarasta and injuring four others in Hama.[226] Four Druze militants were killed in a drone strike of unclear origin on a farm inKanaker, but SANA blamed the attack on Israel.[227][228][229]
On 30 May, the IDF said that it conducted airstrikes on facilities storing anti-ship missiles "that posed a threat to international and Israeli maritimefreedom of navigation" and surface-to-air missile components in theLatakia area. SOHR reported that military sites on the outskirts ofTartus and Latakia were hit, and SANA reported that a civilian was killed and three others were injured near Zama,Jableh District.[230][231]
On 4 June, the IDF said that it had launched airstrikes on weapons belonging to Syria shortly after two projectiles were launched from Syrian territory into the Golan Heights, which Katz held al-Sharaa responsible for. The Syrian foreign ministry said the attacks caused "significant human and material losses" in southern Syria. SOHR reported "violent explosions" in southern Syria, especially Quneitra and Daraa.[232] On 8 June, IAF bombed a vehicle in southern Syria claiming to have killed a Hamas member, two others were injured as well.[233]On 16 July,the IDF bombed the entrance to theSyrian military headquarters in Damascus as a warning, citing security concerns over the Syrian army's deployment to Suwayda to restore order amid theJuly 2025 southern Syrian clashes.[234] Heavier strikes targeted the Syrian military headquarters complex and caused vast damage and destruction to the main building, later strikes targeted the vicinity of thePresidential Palace in Damascus.[235][236] The SyrianMinistry of Health reported at least three killed and 34 injured as a result of the attacks.[237] Airstrikes were also conducted by Israel on the same day on multiple targets across theSuwayda andDaraa governorates, including theal-Tha'lah Military Airbase and other military targets.[238][239][240]
On 26 August, Israeli drone strikes in the Damascus suburb ofAl-Kiswah killed eight Syrian soldiers, who SANA reported had uncovered surveillance equipment while on patrol. Airstrikes in the area continued for a second day, aiming to prevent soldiers from entering the area, although Syrian troops were able to destroy some of the equipment and recover the bodies.[241]
Expansion of occupation
Before the invasion, thePurple Line formed the mutually recognized and UN approved ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied and Syrian controlled parts of the Golan. TheQuneitra Crossing was the official crossing point, used by UN personnel and Druze residents of the Golan.
Following the invasion and expanded Israeli occupation, a new line demarcating Israeli positions formed to the north. One checkpoint is north-west ofHadar, Syria,[242][243][244] while others are at the entrances to other villages.[245] There are also reports of checkpoints betweenBeqaasem,Rima, andArnah[246] and overlooking theJabal Barbar mountain on the heights of Mount Hermon.[244] Beyond checkpoints, the IDF has been constructing a 6 metres (20 ft) deep trench.[247][248]
Peace efforts
Since late June 2025, Israel and Syria have been engaged in U.S.-brokered "advanced talks" aimed at ceasing hostilities and normalizing relations. The possibility of Syria joining theAbraham Accords has been raised, although Israel has insisted on retaining its control over theGolan Heights.[249] Syrian Foreign MinisterAsaad Al-Shaibani stated that Syria aspires to return to the terms of the1974 Disengagement agreement.[250] Among the key obstacles is Syria's demand that Israel cease operating or striking targets within Syrian territory.[251] Israeli media have reported proposals involving Syria possibly regaining a third of the Golan Heights and annexingSunni regions inNorth Lebanon and theBeqaa Valley, including the city ofTripoli, in exchange for peace with Israel.[252]
Reactions
Involved parties
Israel: In December 2024, Israel's government said it was conducting a temporary military operation,[253] that the United States had been notified prior to going in, and that the State of Israel "does not interfere in the domestic conflict within Syria".[120] The IDF later said that they "may end up staying there for the foreseeable future".[254]Yair Lapid, theLeader of the Opposition, supported the operation but criticized Netanyahu's management, saying: "I would not have gone to the border to make provocative statements to the press and put us in conflict with the new Syrian government."[255] On 11 February 2025, Israeli Army Radio reported that the IDF's presence in Syria would be prolonged throughout 2025.[135] On 23 February 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in the provinces ofQuneitra,Daraa andSuweyda, and the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Syrian territory south of Damascus.[256] Israeli Defense MinisterIsrael Katz said that Israeli forces would remain in southern Syria "for an indefinite period of time to protect our communities and thwart any threat."[257]
Syria: Syrian then-de facto leaderAhmed al-Sharaa, who became president in 2025, declared that Syria remains committed to the 1974 agreement and does not seek conflict with Israel or any other country. He also stated that Syria will not allow its territory to be used to attack other countries, including Israel.[258] Syria's UN ambassador,Qusay al-Dahhak, called on the UN Security Council to compel Israel to immediately cease its attacks and withdraw to thePurple Line (ceasefire line).[259] Al-Sharaa criticized Israel's actions, saying they cannot be justified, but also emphasized that Syria is not in a position to be drawn into a new conflict.[115]
International
Arab League: The Arab League condemned "attempts to expand occupation in the Golan Heights or to unilaterally nullify the 1974 disengagement agreement, actions that flagrantly violate international law."[260]
Egypt: Egypt condemned Israel for "exploiting Syria's current instability to expand its occupation and impose a new fait accompli, a clear violation of international law."[261]
France: TheForeign ministry asked Israel "to withdraw from the zone and to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity", describing the military deployment as a violation of the 1974 agreement.[262]
Iran: TheForeign Ministry spokesman said that "This aggression is a flagrant violation of theUnited Nations Charter," and "We demand an immediate response from the UN Security Council to stop the aggression and hold the occupation regime accountable."[263][264]
Iraq: TheForeign ministry issued a statement condemning the Israeli attacks on Syria as an "action [that] is a blatant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions" and called on theUN Security Council to "fulfill its responsibilities by condemning this blatant aggression and taking necessary measures to end these violations."[265]
Pakistan: The spokesperson for theForeign office asserted that the move was a serious violation of international law and a dangerous development in an already volatile region. and also expressed full support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for immediate international action to end Israel's violations.[268][269]
Qatar: Qatar condemned the Israeli incursion, which it considered "a dangerous development; a blatant attack on the sovereignty and unity of Syria; and a flagrant violation of international law."[270]
Saudi Arabia: TheForeign ministry denounced Israel's activities, stating that it will "ruin Syria's chance of restoring its security."[271]
Turkey: PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoğan said that "I say it clearly that the path the Israeli government insists on and obstinately maintains is, in fact, not a true path. Security cannot be achieved by spilling more blood, by dropping more bombs on innocent civilians. This applies not only toGaza and Palestine, but also to Syria."[272] Theforeign ministry strongly condemned Israel's entry into thebuffer zone between Israel and Syria and its advance into Syrian territory. The ministry also added that Israel's actions showed an "occupation mentality", especially at a critical time when peace and stability in Syria were on the way. Turkey reiterated its support for Syria's sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity.[273]
United Nations:Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres's spokesmanStephane Dujarric said that Israel expanding its occupation was a violation of the 1974 agreement.[274] On 10 December, Dujarric stated that: "We're against these types of attacks. I think this is a turning point for Syria. It should not be used by its neighbors to encroach on the territory of Syria."[275] On 20 February, UN envoyGeir Pedersen stated that: "the Israelis need to withdraw".[276]
United States:State Department SpokesmanMatthew Miller said that "Every country has the right to take action against terrorist organizations and every country, I think, would be worried about a possiblevacuum that could be filled by terrorist organizations on its border," stating that the Israeli incursion "is a temporary action that they have taken in response to actions by the Syrian military to withdraw from that area."[279]U.S. Secretary of StateAntony Blinken said that "The stated purpose of those actions by the Israelis is to try to make sure that the military equipment that's been abandoned by the Syrian army doesn't fall into the wrong hands – terrorists, extremists, et cetera. But we'll be talking – we're already talking – to Israel, we're talking to others, about the way ahead".[280]
Analysis
In an interview toAl Jazeera, Robert Geist Pinfold – lecturer in International Peace and Security atDurham University – opined, "The Golan Heights is supposed to be a buffer zone to protect the rest of Israel. So now what Israel is doing is basically arguing that it needs a buffer zone, to protect its buffer zone, that's protecting the rest of Israel, and you have to wonder where does all this end."[281] Residents of the region expressed similar comments, saying that they're not sure how long Israel will stay, especially if they plan to keep the borders quiet "by force."[282] Others agreed that the future is uncertain, given that the situation has "changed completely."[108] Former Israeli prime ministerEhud Olmert disagreed, saying that Israel has "enough problems to deal with", and questioned the idea of expanding the buffer zone further.[283]
According toAxios, theTrump administration believes that Netanyahu bombed Syria in July 2025 because of domestic pressure from theIsraeli Druze minority and other political considerations.[284]
^Israeli incursion limited to abandonedSyrian Arab Army (SAA) posts on the border. However, Israeli airstrikes targeting SAA facilities have killed opposition personnel that had moved into the facilities following the collapse of the Ba'athist government
^8 civilians killed in December 2024[24] 1 civilian killed on 15 January 2025[25] 1 civilian killed on 8 February 2025[26] 10 civilians killed in March 2025[27]
3 civilians and 1 soldier killed on 17 March 2025[28]
9 (armed) civilians killed on 3 April 2025[30][31] 4 civilians killed on 2 May 2025[32] 1 civilian killed on 30 May 2025[33][34] 1 civilian killed on 12 June 2025[35][36] 3 civilians killed on 16 July 2025[37][38] 5 soldiers killed on 26 August 2025[39]
^2 arrested (a French journalist and Syrian lawyer) on 8 January 2025[40][41] 4SARC ambulance crew detained on 15 February 2025[42] "Repeated arrests of civilians" between December 2024–25 February 2025[43] 1 resident arrested on 11 March 2025[44] 4 young men arrested 21–24 March 2025[45] 2 civilians detained on 10 May 2025[46] Approximately 13 civilians arrested 9 June–8 July 2025[47]
^1 civilian killed on 8 December 2024[49] 2 civilians killed on 9 December 2024[50] 1 civilian killed on 11 December 2024[51] 11 people "believed to be" killed on 29 December 2024, "mostly civilians"[52] 1 civilian and 2 soldiers killed on 15 January 2025[53] 1 civilian killed on 8 February 2025[54] 2 soldiers killed on 25 February 2025[55][56] 3 civilians and 1 soldier killed on 17 March 2025[57] 1 civilian killed between 23–25 March 2025[58][59] 7 (armed) civilians killed on 25 March 2025[60] 4 soldiers killed on 2 April 2025[61][62] 9 (armed) civilians killed on 3 April 2025[63][64] 1 civilian killed on 3 May 2025[65] 1 other civilian killed in May 2025[66] 1 civilian killed on 12 June 2025[67][68] 15 soldiers and 3 civilians killed 13–16 July[69]
12 soldiers and 3 civilians killed on 16 July 2025[71][72][69][73]
1 civilian and 6 soldiers killed on 26 August 2025[74][75][76][77]
^2 young men and "all the residents" of Rasm Al-Rawadi village arrested on 8 December 2024[49] 1 young man arrested on 25 December 2024[79] 1 young man arrested on 5 January 2025[80] 1 young man arrested on 24 January 2025[81][82] 1 young man arrested on 19 February 2025[83][84] 1 young man arrested on 12 March 2025[85] 4 young men arrested on 22 March 2025[86][87] 1 father arrested on 26 April 2025[88] 2 arrested (a taxi driver and his son) on 10 May 2025[89][90] 1 young man arrested on 25 May 2025[91] "Several" civilians arrested on 9 June 2025[92] 3 sanitation workers arrested on 11 June 2025[93][94] 7 civilians arrested on 12 June 2025[67][68][95] 2 young men arrested on 14 June 2025[96][97] 4 civilians arrested on 16 June 2025[98][99][100] 2 young men arrested on 29 June 2025[101] 3 Palestinian civilians arrested on 2 July 2025[102] 2 civilians arrested on 7 July 2025[103]
^By 11 February the IDF changed course, stating that the area will be permanently occupied[135]
^Quillen, Stephen; Motamedi, Maziar; Uras, Umut (9 December 2024)."Syria's Al-Assad Overthrown".Al Jazeera.Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved8 December 2024.
^"غارات "إسرائيلية" تستهدف مدينة درعا" ["Israeli" Airstrikes Target the City of Daraa].Iraq Observer (in Arabic). 16 July 2025.Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved16 July 2025.
^Robert Geist Pinfold (9 December 2024).What are Israel's plans in Syria and claims by far-right ministers to Damascus?(TV) (News). Al Jazeera. Event occurs at 6:26–6:43. Retrieved10 December 2024.The Golan Heights is supposed to be a buffer zone to protect the rest of Israel. So now what Israel is doing is basically arguing that it needs a buffer zone, to protect its buffer zone, that's protecting the rest of Israel, and you have to wonder where does all this end.
Israel
Syria[1]
Palestinian militants[2]
Assad loyalists
Israel Katz
Eyal Zamir
Herzi Halevi (until 2025)
Tomer Bar
Ori Gordin
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Arab League: The Arab League condemned "attempts to expand occupation in the Golan Heights or to unilaterally nullify the 1974 disengagement agreement, actions that flagrantly violate international law."[260]
Egypt: Egypt condemned Israel for "exploiting Syria's current instability to expand its occupation and impose a new fait accompli, a clear violation of international law."[261]
France: TheForeign ministry asked Israel "to withdraw from the zone and to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity", describing the military deployment as a violation of the 1974 agreement.[262]
Iran: TheForeign Ministry spokesman said that "This aggression is a flagrant violation of theUnited Nations Charter," and "We demand an immediate response from the UN Security Council to stop the aggression and hold the occupation regime accountable."[263][264]
Iraq: TheForeign ministry issued a statement condemning the Israeli attacks on Syria as an "action [that] is a blatant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions" and called on theUN Security Council to "fulfill its responsibilities by condemning this blatant aggression and taking necessary measures to end these violations."[265]
Jordan: Deputy Prime Minister andForeign MinisterAyman Safadi condemned the move, stating that "it violatesinternational law".[266] On 26 February 2025, KingAbdullah II of Jordan condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.[267]
Pakistan: The spokesperson for theForeign office asserted that the move was a serious violation of international law and a dangerous development in an already volatile region. and also expressed full support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for immediate international action to end Israel's violations.[268][269]
Qatar: Qatar condemned the Israeli incursion, which it considered "a dangerous development; a blatant attack on the sovereignty and unity of Syria; and a flagrant violation of international law."[270]
Saudi Arabia: TheForeign ministry denounced Israel's activities, stating that it will "ruin Syria's chance of restoring its security."[271]
Turkey: PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoğan said that "I say it clearly that the path the Israeli government insists on and obstinately maintains is, in fact, not a true path. Security cannot be achieved by spilling more blood, by dropping more bombs on innocent civilians. This applies not only toGaza and Palestine, but also to Syria."[272] Theforeign ministry strongly condemned Israel's entry into thebuffer zone between Israel and Syria and its advance into Syrian territory. The ministry also added that Israel's actions showed an "occupation mentality", especially at a critical time when peace and stability in Syria were on the way. Turkey reiterated its support for Syria's sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity.[273]
United Nations:Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres's spokesmanStephane Dujarric said that Israel expanding its occupation was a violation of the 1974 agreement.[274] On 10 December, Dujarric stated that: "We're against these types of attacks. I think this is a turning point for Syria. It should not be used by its neighbors to encroach on the territory of Syria."[275] On 20 February, UN envoyGeir Pedersen stated that: "the Israelis need to withdraw".[276]
United Arab Emirates: Theforeign ministry condemned Israel for occupying the buffer zone.[277][278]
United States:State Department SpokesmanMatthew Miller said that "Every country has the right to take action against terrorist organizations and every country, I think, would be worried about a possiblevacuum that could be filled by terrorist organizations on its border," stating that the Israeli incursion "is a temporary action that they have taken in response to actions by the Syrian military to withdraw from that area."[279]U.S. Secretary of StateAntony Blinken said that "The stated purpose of those actions by the Israelis is to try to make sure that the military equipment that's been abandoned by the Syrian army doesn't fall into the wrong hands – terrorists, extremists, et cetera. But we'll be talking – we're already talking – to Israel, we're talking to others, about the way ahead".[280]
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