Photo: Depositphotos

Jerusalem, Israel – Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz has confirmed that air strikes south of Damascus are part of a preventive policy against terrorist groups in the region. Meanwhile, Lebanon reports additional strikes, despite the declared ceasefire by Hezbollah. This was reported by Ynet.

Attack on military facilities in Syria

The Saudi media outlet Al-Hadath reported that Israeli jets had carried out at least four strikes on military positions in the al-Kiswa area, which is located near Damascus.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes targeted a number of military facilities in the suburbs of Damascus. According to preliminary information, at least four people were killed.

The Hezbollah-affiliated propaganda outlet Al Mayadeen called the strikes “the most powerful” since Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, took office. The newspaper claims that Israel “infiltrated the Syrian communications network before the strikes” and “is trying to expand its control into southern Syria”.

Protests in Syria and new strikes on Daraa

Protests against Israeli actions in southern Syria took place in Damascus and Homs. The demonstrators chanted:

“Oh, dear al-Julani, the bombs of Tel Aviv!”

In addition, an additional strike was reported on the village of Ezra in Daraa province. Al-Mayadeen claims that the target may have been an old Syrian military base.

Israel explains the strikes: “We will not allow the creation of a new southern Lebanon”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had launched a “powerful strike” in southern Syria as part of a new security policy:

“The message is clear: we will not allow southern Syria to become a new southern Lebanon. We will not risk the safety of our citizens.”

He also warned the Syrian regime and terrorist groups against attempts to gain a foothold in the buffer zone.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has confirmed that it has struck military targets in southern Syria, including command centres and weapons facilities.

“The presence of terrorist forces in this region threatens the citizens of Israel. We will continue to act to eliminate any threat,” the military command said.

Israel attacks targets in Lebanon: two people killed

Meanwhile, Lebanon reported new Israeli strikes in the Bekaa Valley. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said that two people were killed and three others were injured.

According to Al-Mayadeen, an Israeli drone attacked a facility near the village of Janta. The IDF confirmed that the target of the strike was two individuals associated with the production and storage of strategic weapons.

“Their activities constitute a gross violation of the Israeli-Lebanese agreements,” the Israeli military command stressed.

What’s next?

Israel is demonstrating a new tough policy towards Syria and Lebanon, focused on pre-emptive strikes. Despite the declared ceasefire by Hezbollah, Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue, which could lead to further escalation.