Hezbollah condemns Israeli attacks in Syria after Assad’s fall

The Israeli government claims the aim of the strikes was to destroy weapons before they could be used by rebels. “The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens. That is why we attack strategic weapons systems, such as remaining chemical weapons, or long-range missiles and rockets, so that they do not fall into the hands of extremists,” said Gideon Saar of Foreign Affairs.

He also stated that the presence of Israeli troops in a demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights is a “limited and temporary” measure. The order came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after rebels took power in Syria.

Images released by the Israeli Army show armored vehicles advancing into Syrian territory. The Golan Heights were seized from Syria by Israel in 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981. Jordan, which borders the territory, denounced the measure. “It is a violation of international law, an unacceptable escalation and an offense to the sovereignty of an Arab state.”

Netanyahu celebrated Assad’s fall, saying his departure was a direct result of Israel’s actions in the region. But experts say this is an unintended consequence. At the start of the rebel offensive in Syria, Netanyahu warned Assad that he was “playing with fire” by supporting Hezbollah and helping to transfer weapons to Lebanon.

What happened in Syria?

Rebel leaders tore down statues of Hafez al-Assad, father of Bashar al-Assad who gave rise to a dictatorship lasting more than five decadesand announced the release of at least 3,500 prisoners in the city of Homs amid the announcement of the government’s deposition.