Israel has carried out fresh military operations in southern Syria and Lebanon, raising tensions despite US-backed diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities across the region. Israeli forces shelled a Syrian town and entered another area near the occupied Golan Heights within the past 24 hours, according to pro-government Syrian media. The incidents mark a renewed escalation following recent Syria-Israel talks in Jordan.
The latest developments come after Syrian and Israeli officials held US-mediated discussions focused on establishing mechanisms to halt attacks and revive negotiations over a security agreement. Damascus has demanded an Israeli withdrawal from territory occupied since December 2024 and called for the full implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Syria also continues to assert its claim over the Golan Heights.
Tensions have also been complicated by growing friction between Israel and Turkey over Ankara’s expanding role in Syria. US envoy Tom Barrack has questioned the necessity of a recent Israeli strike on a Syrian military airfield, while Israel maintains that its actions are driven by security concerns.
The renewed attacks could further complicate Washington’s efforts to broker a durable security arrangement between Israel and Syria.
