### Rising Tensions: Israel’s Escalating Aggression Against Syria
Regional tensions are intensifying as Israel continues its military strikes on Syria while expanding its occupation of Syrian territory. Recent attacks, including raids on the Hama and T4 airbases—key strategic locations—have drawn condemnation from Damascus, which calls the assaults a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, threatening severe consequences if “hostile forces” operate in Syria. The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, including nine deaths in Deraa, further destabilizing the war-torn nation.
### Historical Context and Israeli Justifications
Syria and Israel have never established formal relations, and hostilities persist. Israel justifies its actions as self-defense, accusing Syria’s transitional government of being linked to militant groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Meanwhile, Syria condemns Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and its recent encroachments into southern Syrian territories, including vital water resources. Reports suggest Israel is also attempting to counter Turkish influence in Syria, lobbying the U.S. to support Russia’s military presence rather than Turkey’s regional role.
### Syria’s Limited Options and International Silence
After 14 years of civil war, Syria lacks the military or economic strength to resist Israeli aggression effectively. Local civilians, rather than government forces, have reportedly mobilized to defend their towns, though Israel labels them as militants to justify further attacks. Turkey has called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Syrian lands, but international intervention remains absent. Analysts like Robin Yassin Kassab criticize the global community’s inaction, warning that Israel’s opportunistic expansionism could lead to further territorial seizures unless checked. The situation underscores the volatile power dynamics in the region, with Syria caught in the crossfire.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/8/explainer-why-is-israel-attacking-syria.