Israel’s recent defensive operations in Syria have once again drawn condemnation from Saudi Arabia, which claims that Israeli airstrikes violate international agreements. However, this criticism ignores the broader regional context: Israel’s military actions are not acts of aggression but essential countermeasures against the growing threat posed by Iranian-backed militias entrenched in Syria.
An Israeli Air Force aircraft, directed by the 210th Division, struck artillery in the Khan Arnabeh area of southern Syria that posed a threat to the State of Israel. The presence of weaponry in southern Syria constitutes a danger to Israel. The IDF will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria and will act against it.
Iran’s Expansion in Syria: A Direct Threat to Israel
For years, Iran has systematically turned Syria into a launchpad for terrorism. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed groups have used Syrian territory to smuggle advanced weaponry, establish military bases, and train terrorist operatives for attacks against Israel. Iranian forces have also provided direct military support to the Assad regime, using Syria as a corridor to transfer weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran’s presence in Syria is not just about supporting Assad—it is a key component of Tehran’s strategy to encircle Israel with a ring of hostile forces. Iranian-controlled militias in Syria have launched drone and missile attacks on Israeli territory, attempted cross-border infiltrations, and provided logistical support to Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran’s long-term goal is clear: to turn Syria into a permanent terror stronghold from which it can launch future wars against Israel.
Israel’s Defensive Operations
Israel’s airstrikes in Syria are a direct response to this growing Iranian aggression. These operations are not about targeting Syria itself but about dismantling Iran’s military infrastructure within Syrian borders. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conduct precision strikes aimed at:
- Iranian Weapons Shipments: Destroying missile stockpiles, drone production facilities, and weapons convoys bound for Hezbollah.
- IRGC Bases: Eliminating Iranian military outposts and training centers that threaten Israel’s security.
- Terrorist Command Centers: Targeting Hezbollah’s leadership and operatives involved in orchestrating attacks on Israel.
The collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, which was accelerated by Israeli military operations, further underscored the necessity of Israel’s actions. With Assad gone, Iran’s grip on Syria weakened, but Iranian proxies continue to operate in the region, seeking to fill the power vacuum.
International Hypocrisy
The international response to Israel’s actions once again reveals the blatant double standard applied to the Jewish state. Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations have condemned Israel for defending itself, while ignoring Iran’s systematic violations of Syria’s sovereignty. The same international bodies that remain silent when Iran funds terrorism across the Middle East are quick to criticize Israel for taking necessary defensive measures.
This hypocrisy was evident following Iran’s direct missile attacks on Israel in April and October 2024, which targeted millions of civilians. Despite launching the largest ballistic missile attack in history, Iran faced no serious condemnation from the United Nations. Yet, when Israel retaliated with precision strikes against Iranian military targets, it was met with international outcry.
Israel’s commitment to regional stability is clear. The IDF takes extensive precautions to minimize civilian casualties, using advanced intelligence to ensure that its strikes are limited to military targets. However, Israel cannot afford to allow Iranian forces to entrench themselves in Syria unchecked.
Saudi Arabia’s condemnation fails to acknowledge the reality on the ground: Israel’s operations are not violations of international law, but necessary acts of self-defense. The true destabilizing force in the region is Iran, which continues to fund and arm terrorist groups with the goal of annihilating Israel.
Instead of criticizing Israel for protecting its citizens, the international community should focus on holding Iran accountable for its relentless aggression. Only by confronting Iran’s terror network can genuine stability be achieved in the Middle East.
