Israel Conducts Strikes on Syrian Border with Lebanon, Killing Seven
Tensions Escalate as Ceasefire with Hezbollah Takes Hold
BEIRUT: Israel conducted strikes on the Syrian border with Lebanon that a war monitor said killed seven people, hours ahead of a ceasefire in the war with Hezbollah.
Netanyahu Warns Assad of Consequences
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad he was "playing with fire" on Tuesday, as he announced the truce with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "In Syria, we are systematically blocking attempts by Iran, Hezbollah and the Syrian army to transfer weapons to Lebanon," Netanyahu said. "Assad must understand that he is playing with fire," he added.
Escalation in Conflict
Hezbollah deployed fighters into Syria during its civil war, and played a key role in propping up Assad’s regime during the revolt that erupted in 2011. The nighttime strikes hit border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, killing seven people including two Syrian soldiers, a child, and a Syrian Red Crescent volunteer, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Ceasefire and Repair Works
On Wednesday, as the ceasefire in Lebanon took hold, Lebanese and Syrian authorities announced the start of repair works on the border crossings targeted in recent weeks. "Construction work…has begun work to rehabilitate and reopen the Masnaa road at the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing," Lebanon Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamie said in a statement. Syria’s official SANA news agency also reported work was underway to rehabilitate the crossing.
Background to Conflict
Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years, and intensified its raids since the year-long war with Hezbollah escalated in September. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel conducted 89 raids on targets in Syria since September 26. "As long as there are vehicles carrying weapons or movements by Hezbollah or other pro-Iran factions, Israel will continue to target them, as was the case prior to the war in Lebanon," Abdel Rahman told AFP.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the Israeli strikes on the Syrian border with Lebanon?
The Israeli strikes were aimed at blocking attempts by Iran, Hezbollah, and the Syrian army to transfer weapons to Lebanon. - Who was killed in the strikes?
Seven people, including two Syrian soldiers, a child, and a Syrian Red Crescent volunteer, were killed in the strikes. - What is the significance of the ceasefire with Hezbollah?
The ceasefire with Hezbollah is a significant development, as it could potentially ease tensions in the region and reduce the risk of further conflict. - How will the border crossings be repaired?
Lebanese and Syrian authorities have announced the start of repair works on the border crossings targeted in recent weeks, including the Masnaa road and the Jdeidet Yabous crossing.