Israel hits Syria bases again despite EU warning

The Israeli Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that they had once again targeted two military installations in central Syria. The strikes hit bases located in Tadmur (Palmyra) and T4, roughly 50 kilometers west of the city. According to the Israeli military, these actions were aimed at neutralizing remaining military capabilities at the targeted sites and preventing any future threats to Israeli citizens.

This marks the second time in less than a week that Israel has launched strikes on these specific locations. The previous round of attacks occurred on Friday, initially reported by a war monitor before being confirmed by Israel. Despite the frequency of such operations, Israel maintains that these strikes are preventive measures intended to disrupt potential threats before they materialize.

During a visit to Jerusalem on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concerns over Israel’s ongoing military operations in both Syria and Lebanon. Speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Kallas warned that these actions could trigger further instability across the region.

She stressed that military responses must be proportionate and pointed out that, at present, Syria had not launched attacks on Israeli territory. Kallas argued that continued military pressure risks fueling radicalization and deepening regional tensions.

Kallas also addressed Israel’s approach to Syria’s new governing authorities, stating that while the rhetoric from the new leadership may be reassuring, actions must match those words. She emphasized that the EU remains committed to a stable Syria and continues to engage in dialogue with member states to address the evolving situation.

Regional Tensions with Lebanon and Syria Intensify

Tensions between Israel and neighboring countries have been on the rise despite ceasefire agreements. Over the weekend, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon after rockets were fired into northern Israel—the first such incident since the November 27 ceasefire. While no group has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, the Israeli government held Lebanon accountable and responded with strikes that killed eight people.

Meanwhile, in Syria, the Israeli military remains active, reportedly to prevent arms transfers to factions it labels as jihadist. The Syrian government, under its new leadership following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, has condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of attempting to destabilize the country.

Israel has also increased its military presence in the United Nations-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his call for the full demilitarization of southern Syria to ensure long-term security along the border.