Escalation in the Middle East: Israel Strikes Syrian Military Bases
Tensions Rise in the Region
Jerusalem: The Israeli army has struck two military bases in central Syria, a day after the European Union’s foreign policy chief warned that strikes in Syria and Lebanon risked escalation. The Israeli military said that it had targeted military capabilities at the Syrian bases of Tadmur and T4, located in Palmyra and 50 kilometers west of the city, respectively.
IDF’s Continued Action
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it will continue to take action to remove any threat posed to the citizens of the State of Israel. This is not the first time Israel has launched strikes on Syrian military sites. Since Islamist-led rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on military sites, citing concerns that weapons could fall into the hands of new authorities it considers jihadists.
EU’s Warning
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned on Monday during a visit to Jerusalem that Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon were threatening to worsen the situation. "Military actions must be proportionate, and Israeli strikes into Syria and Lebanon risk further escalation," she said at a joint news conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. "We feel that these things are unnecessary because Syria is right now not attacking Israel and that feeds more radicalisation that is also against Israel," she added.
Ongoing Tensions in Lebanon
Despite a ceasefire, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Lebanon. On Saturday, Israel launched air strikes on southern Lebanon, killing eight people, in response to rocket fire that hit its territory for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on November 27. No party has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.
Golan Heights and Demilitarization
The Israeli military has deployed to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria. Syria’s foreign ministry has accused Israel of waging a campaign against "the stability of the country."
EU’s View on a Stable Syria
When asked about Israel’s stance towards Syria’s new leaders, Kallas said, "Of course, our worries are the same. They say the right things, will they do the right things?" "But we have discussed this in the European Union and amongst all the member states, and our view is that we need a stable Syria," she added.
Conclusion
The recent escalation in the Middle East highlights the complex and delicate situation in the region. The Israeli strikes on Syrian military bases and the ongoing tensions in Lebanon demonstrate the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The EU’s warning that Israeli strikes risk further escalation emphasizes the importance of proportionate military actions and a commitment to stability in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the reason behind Israel’s strikes on Syrian military bases?
Israel claims it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of new authorities it considers jihadists. - What is the European Union’s stance on the situation in Syria?
The EU is seeking a stable Syria and has warned that Israeli strikes risk further escalation. - What is the current situation in Lebanon?
Despite a ceasefire, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Lebanon, and tensions remain high.