The Israeli military confirmed it conducted a ground operation in Syria for the first time, capturing a Syrian linked to Iranian networks. This follows extended aerial strikes targeting Hezbollah and Iranian officials. Amid intensified conflict, casualties in Gaza remain high, with vital health campaigns being interrupted.
The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it has conducted its first-ever ground operation in Syria during the ongoing conflict, seizing a Syrian citizen linked to Iranian networks. This operation, part of a broader campaign against Iranian influence, involved the identification and capture of Ali Soleiman al-Assi, who had reportedly been under surveillance for an extended period. The Israeli forces did not disclose the precise timing or location of the raid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted efforts to limit Hezbollah’s rearmament through Iranian arms transfers, amidst escalating confrontations along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Concurrently, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue to face scrutiny due to civilian casualties, including incidents affecting vaccination efforts against polio.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and various armed groups, particularly Hezbollah and Hamas, has intensified since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, initiated by a large-scale attack from Hamas. Israel has responded with extensive military operations in both Lebanon and Gaza, targeting militants and their infrastructural support. Within this context, Israel’s military objectives involve mitigating threats posed by Iranian influence in the region and disrupting efforts to resupply Hezbollah from Syria, a significant ally during the conflict.
Israel’s recent admission of a ground operation in Syria represents a significant escalation in its military strategy against Iranian and Hezbollah influences. This operation aligns with Israel’s ongoing aerial assaults in Syria and Lebanon, aiming to disrupt militant activities along its borders. The broader implications of these military actions, coupled with the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlight the complex dynamics of the conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution amid mounting casualties on all sides.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
