In a statement, Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has ordered teh military to continue its operations, reports the newspaper haaretz.
One of the goals is to destroy heavier weapons that could perhaps be aimed at Israel. Among these are long-range missiles and surface-to-air missiles. Air defenses are also to be destroyed.
Additionally, Katz wants the Israeli military to complete the takeover of the buffer zone against Syria on the Golan Heights. The goal here is to establish a weapons-free area or “terror infrastructure.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says Israeli forces have attacked both long-range missiles and remaining chemical weapons in Syria. The aim is to enhance the security of Israel’s population.
– that is why we have attacked strategic weapon systems, such as remaining chemical weapons or long-range missiles and rockets, Saar said on Monday.
According to Saar, Israel wants to prevent extremists from getting hold of these weapons.
On sunday,it was revealed that Israel bombed targets in Damascus. Just a few hours earlier, it became clear that rebel forces had taken over power in Syria and that the country’s president Bashar al-Assad had fled the country.
It was Russian President Vladimir Putin who decided on al-Assad’s asylum in Russia, writes VG, citing Reuters.
TEARING DOWN AL-ASSAD: A Syrian rebel tears down a poster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and his deceased father, Hafez Assad, who was president before his son.
Photo: Ghaith Alsayed (AP/NTB)
– Unlikely
Middle East expert hilde Henriksen Waage tells VG that she does not believe Israel wants to expand the occupied areas.
– Israel now desires stability on its borders, and not a chaotic, civil war-ridden Syria, she says.
– The idea that Israel now wants to enter yet another country in the middle East simultaneously with the two wars that certainly are not definitively concluded, I hold as unlikely, she states.
Also read: AFP: Crisis meeting on Syria in the Security Council on Monday
MIDDLE EAST EXPERT: Hilde Henriksen Waage does not believe Israel has intentions to expand the occupied areas.
Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen (NTB)
compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall
The Syrian lecturer Haian Dukhan tells Sky News that the fall of the Assad regime can be compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
– This is huge for Syrians. It is something we can compare to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Soviet Union. That is why we see peopel celebrating everywhere in the world, he says.
Also read: Full celebration in Oslo: – There are no tears today
Military in Israel: Building likely hit by drone attack
There has been an explosion in a building in central Israel.the Israeli military believes the building was struck by a drone sent from Yemen.
Both the military and emergency services reported the explosion on Monday morning.According to the newspaper Haaretz, the building is located in the city of Yavneh.
Prior to the explosion, a suspicious object was reportedly seen in the air. The Israeli military (IDF) says the cause was likely a drone sent from Yemen.
Title: Navigating Security in the Middle East: An Interview with Defense Analyst Dr. Ava Elman
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon,Dr. Elman. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in Israel’s military strategy regarding its operations in Syria.
Dr. Ava elman: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that has significant implications for regional stability.
Editor: Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, recently stated that military operations will continue with the aim of neutralizing long-range missiles and surface-to-air defenses in Syria. What do you think are the broader implications of this strategy?
Dr. Elman: Katz’s directive reflects a proactive approach to national security. By targeting heavy weaponry, Israel aims to deter threats that could directly harm its territory.This military calculus is rooted in the need to secure its borders and mitigate any potential escalation from unfriendly groups operating within Syria.
Editor: Indeed, the mention of a buffer zone on the Golan Heights is intriguing. Can you elaborate on the meaning of establishing a weapons-free area there?
Dr. Elman: The Golan Heights has been a strategic point for Israel since it was captured during the 1967 Six-Day War.By asserting control over this region, Israel seeks to prevent any buildup of military capabilities by various groups in Syria, especially those aligned with Iran and Hezbollah. This move can definately help enhance the security of northern Israel while also sending a message that the country will not tolerate attacks from across the border.
Editor: Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also emphasized the attacks on remaining chemical weapons in Syria. With such a focus on preventing extremists from gaining advanced weapons, how does this align with Israel’s long-term strategy?
Dr. Elman: It’s all part of a comprehensive national defense strategy. By removing chemical weapons and long-range missile capabilities, Israel aims to disrupt any potential threats before they manifest.This preemptive strike capability is fundamental to Israel’s defense posture and reflects ongoing tensions with various non-state actors in the region. Ultimately, it’s about limiting adversaries’ options and maintaining a strategic advantage.
Editor: Some analysts suggest that these military actions could escalate tensions in the region.Do you share that concern?
Dr. Elman: Absolutely. While Israel’s operations are framed as defensive, they could provoke retaliation from groups like Hezbollah or Iranian forces. We must consider the regional dynamics—the escalating cycle of attacks and counterattacks can easily spiral out of control. Additionally, the international community’s response to this escalatory behavior will be vital; balanced diplomacy will play a critical role in mitigating conflict.
Editor: With the U.S. involvement in the Middle East continuously evolving, how does Israel’s military strategy align with American interests in the region?
Dr. Elman: The U.S. and Israel generally share a mutual interest in countering Iranian expansionism. American support provides Israel with both military and diplomatic backing, which is crucial in these operations. However, the Biden administration’s policies are also influenced by the need to engage in dialog with other Middle Eastern nations. Striking a balance between aggressive military action and diplomatic efforts is essential for regional stability.
Editor: In closing, what do you think is the most critical factor that will determine the success of Israel’s military operations in Syria?
Dr. Elman: The key factor will be the ability to effectively manage the backlash from these operations. Success will not only be measured by immediate military gains but also by how Israel navigates the resulting geopolitical landscape.Establishing deterrence while seeking diplomatic avenues to address the underlying tensions will be crucial for any long-term security objectives.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Elman. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to monitor these developments in the region.
Dr.Elman: Thank you for having me. It’s important to stay informed as these events unfold.