Israel strikes Syria and Lebanon despite US-brokered diplomacy

Israel has launched attacks in southern Syria and intensified air strikes and demolitions in Lebanon, despite US-backed diplomatic efforts to cease hostilities. Israeli forces have entered a Syrian town and the Golan Heights for the first time since a security meeting in Amman. The US-backed talks aimed at ending hostilities and returning Israeli forces to the 1974 armistice line near Golan.

Israel accuses Turkey of expanding its military presence in Syria, which backs Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. Israeli forces entered the village of Turnejeh in Quneitra, near the 1974 line, and shelled Beit Jinn, 10km to the north-east. There were no reported casualties. Meanwhile, Israel conducted intensified strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Ali Al Taher Hill and several towns and villages.

A US-mediated ceasefire in Lebanon remains in effect, but Israeli troops continue to occupy Lebanese villages under a "yellow line" buffer zone. Israeli forces have also pushed beyond the yellow line to expand their control of Lebanese territory. In 1973, Syria attempted to regain the Golan Heights, but Israel withdrew following the war.

Since Assad's removal on December 8, 2024, Israel has crossed the armistice line and now controls additional Syrian territory. The tension escalated after Israel attacked a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border, which Turkey denied. The US envoy to Syria and Turkey, Tom Barrack, called for de-escalation following the strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Mount Hermon, where Israeli forces removed Syrian positions upon Assad's fall, stating that Israel aims to protect communities and borders.