Israel strikes Syria and Lebanon despite US-brokered diplomacy

Israel has launched military operations in southern Syria and intensified air strikes in southern Lebanon, despite US-backed diplomatic efforts to cease hostilities. Israeli forces entered a Syrian town near the occupied Golan Heights in recent days, marking the first breach since a security discussion in Amman earlier in the week.

The US-mediated meeting on Sunday aimed to halt Israeli attacks on Syria and return forces to a 1974 armistice line near Golan. Tensions have risen over Turkey's increased military presence in Syria, which backs Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. Israel entered the village of Turnejeh in Quneitra governorate, searching a house and shelling the outskirts of Beit Jinn in Lebanon.

Israeli strikes have also targeted towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Ali Al Taher Hill. Despite a US-mediated ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli troops remain in dozens of Lebanese villages, expanding their control through continuous incursions. Israel has released some of the 30 Syrians it detained during incursions, but intensified raids persist.

The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau occupied by Israel since 1967, was the site of a failed Syrian attempt to regain control in 1973. Since then, Israel has controlled the Golan and conducted numerous strikes on Syria. Tensions escalated after Israel attacked a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border, leading to US envoy Tom Barrack calling for de-escalation.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz visited Mount Hermon, where Israeli forces overran abandoned Syrian positions shortly after Assad's removal in December 2024.