The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their targeted military operations in Syria over the past several months, as part of a broader effort to disrupt Iranian-backed hostile activities and prevent the entrenchment of terror networks near Israel’s northern border. Driven by precise intelligence, these operations exemplify what military planners describe as a ‘heel-to-toe’ (עָקֵב בְּצַד אֲגוּדָל) approach—methodical, incremental actions designed to send a clear deterrent message to both direct adversaries and the regional architects of terror.
Strategic Intelligence and Methodical Targeting
Israel’s military posture in Syria is shaped by what senior defense sources have labeled ‘absolute intelligence’—a comprehensive capacity for monitoring, identifying, and, when necessary, neutralizing evolving threats within Syrian territory. Leveraging high-resolution aerial surveillance, signals intelligence, and deep-rooted human intelligence networks, the IDF preempts the transfer of advanced weaponry, including precision-guided munitions and drone technology, from Iran through Syrian corridors to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.
This intelligence superiority underpins a strategy of targeted strikes: IDF actions have included airstrikes on munitions depots, command centers occupied by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operatives, and logistical hubs used by Hezbollah and affiliated militias. According to military officials, these strikes are carefully calibrated to minimize risk to Syrian civilians while denying terrorist organizations the operational freedom to threaten Israeli security.
Iranian Entrenchment and the Axis of Resistance
The rationale for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Syria is inseparable from Tehran’s regional ambitions. Iran, through its network of armed proxies including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shi’ite militias in Iraq and Syria, has persistently sought to expand its influence and create land corridors for weapons trafficking. Over a decade of Syrian civil war has transformed Syria into a critical node of the so-called Axis of Resistance—a network dedicated to challenging Israeli sovereignty and destabilizing moderate Arab regimes.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre—the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust—sharply demonstrated the capabilities and coordination of these Iranian-sponsored groups. It galvanized Israeli leadership to escalate defensive measures, including proactive operations in neighboring Syria to prevent similar attacks and disrupt weapons flows.
Operations on the Ground: Scale and Nature
Contrary to some public perceptions, the IDF has maintained a periodical but measured ground presence in Syria. However, these ground activities differ fundamentally from Israel’s intensive maneuvers in the Gaza Strip—they are limited, targeted, and aligned with an overall strategy prioritizing precise impact over broad territorial engagement. Reconnaissance patrols, sabotage missions against weapons convoys, and quick raids into storage sites have all featured in Israel’s toolkit for countering threats. Military officials emphasize that any escalation by Iranian-backed forces will be met by a swift and stronger response, underscoring the deterrent nature of Israel’s operations.
Regional and Legal Context
Syria’s fragmented landscape—marked by the Assad regime’s reliance on Iran and Russian allies—creates a dynamic environment for Israeli operations. Israel conducts its activities with the stated objective of self-defense, consistent with international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. In contrast to the indiscriminate violence employed by terror organizations in the region, Israel’s actions are guided by the dual imperatives of military necessity and ethical conduct.
Since the uptick in hostilities following the October 2023 attacks, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, has reiterated its commitment to preventing the Syrian front from becoming an unchallenged launching pad for Iranian terror. Diplomatic communications with allied powers, notably the United States under President Donald Trump, and careful military deconfliction with Russia help keep operations contained and minimize the risk of inadvertent escalation.
Hezbollah, the IRGC, and Persistent Threats
Hezbollah’s expansion into Syria is a direct extension of Tehran’s regional strategy. Israeli assessments indicate that IRGC operatives coordinate closely with Hezbollah units to smuggle advanced rockets, anti-aircraft systems, and drones, increasing the risk of a multi-front confrontation. Recent incidents have included attempted cross-border drone penetrations, rocket fire from Syrian territory toward Israeli communities, and efforts to establish new bases overlooking the Golan Heights.
The IDF’s campaign aims to degrade and disrupt this build-up, with airstrikes conducted in recent months targeting not only infrastructure but also key personnel orchestrating Iranian-backed schemes.
Policy of Measured Response
While Israeli officials refrain from providing extensive operational details, the overarching doctrine remains clear. Israel seeks to avoid broad ground incursions unless changes in the threat environment necessitate a shift to more expansive action. The prevailing heel-to-toe approach allows Israel to calibrate its responses, maintaining real-time deterrence without drawing the country into an open, prolonged conflict in Syria.
Given ongoing smuggling attempts, increased Iranian entrenchment, and the complexity of Syria’s security landscape, IDF operations are likely to persist for the foreseeable future. Officials emphasize that each mission is evaluated in light of new intelligence, and the Israeli leadership stands ready to adjust the scale or scope of operations based on evolving circumstances.
Broader Implications and Regional Stability
Israel’s defensive actions in Syria resonate beyond its immediate security interests. By contesting the Iranian corridor and targeting IRGC and Hezbollah assets, Israel contributes to the containment of Iran’s hegemonic ambitions and supports the stability of moderate states throughout the region. The prospect of a resurgent Iranian network, unchecked by Israeli deterrence, raises concerns for the security of Jordan, Lebanon, and even Gulf states with whom Israel has strengthened ties through the Abraham Accords.
While international bodies such as the United Nations have called for restraint, Israel’s approach—distinguished by its focus on legality, precision, and safeguarding civilians—reflects an enduring commitment to upholding international standards even in the face of relentless terror threats. For Israelis and many in the region, these operations are a vital line of defense in a broader war imposed by external powers seeking to destabilize the Middle East.
Conclusion
The IDF’s ongoing operations in Syria illustrate a pragmatic balance of deterrence, intelligence-led action, and calibrated response amid a highly complex and volatile environment. As Iran continues its regional project through proxies and arms transfers, Israel’s military maintains readiness both to defend its citizens and to strike at the heart of emerging threats. The conflict, shaped by history and sharpened by present realities, remains a test of resolve, vigilance, and the enduring imperative of Israeli self-defense.
