Jerusalem: Israeli authorities announced plans to escalate airstrikes targeting advanced weapon stockpiles across Syria and retain a minimal troop presence on the ground to preempt potential threats in the wake of President Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

The developments reflect Israel’s mixed reaction to Syria's turmoil, balancing optimism over the weakening of Iranian influence with concern about extremist factions gaining ground. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military would focus on dismantling strategic weaponry, including surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, long-range rockets, cruise missiles, and chemical arms.

While Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that Israel’s actions are strictly defensive and not intended to meddle in Syria's internal affairs, he reiterated the necessity of preemptive measures to ensure such weapons do not fall into extremist hands.

Amid heightened tensions following Hamas' October 2023 attack, Israel has fortified its borders with Syria, clearing landmines and enhancing barriers in the Golan Heights area. Limited troop deployments have been made in the demilitarized zone along the Israeli-Syrian border for security purposes, with operations remaining constrained in scope and duration.