On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Israeli army conducted airstrikes on two military bases in central Syria, specifically targeting an airbase in Palmyra. This assault came on the heels of a report from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which stated that the airport in Palmyra had been under Israeli warplanes’ fire.
Since the Islamist-led rebellion that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has executed hundreds of military strikes across Syria, pointing to the need to prevent weaponry from falling into the hands of forces it regards as hostile. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that they had hit military capabilities at both the Tadmur and T4 bases. The latter is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Palmyra.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocally advocating for the demilitarization of southern Syria, aligning this stance with Israel's broader strategy to combat threats emanating from its neighbor. “We will not tolerate the presence of forces from the new authorities south of the capital Damascus,” Netanyahu declared, shedding light on Israel's intense security concerns in the region.
The Syrian government, however, has not taken these strikes lightly. Syria’s foreign ministry has accused Israel of pursuing a campaign against the stability of the country, reflecting a sharp critique of Israel’s military operations. Notably, this tension is further exacerbated by claims that Israel is contributing to sectarian strife within Syria, especially in light of its alleged protection of minority Druze communities amidst ongoing clashes in Damascus.
This recent airstrike underscores Israel's long-standing strategy of preemptive strikes against military targets that could potentially bolster hostile factions. Analysts suggest that these actions fall in line with Israel's desire to ensure that no advanced weaponry is acquired by entities it deems a threat, particularly given the complex web of allegiances among Syrian rebel factions, some of which have historic ties to Al-Qaeda.
“A short while ago, the IDF struck military strategic capabilities that remained at the Syrian military bases of Tadmur and T4,” the Israeli military stated, emphasizing their continued commitment to neutralizing threats at their borders.
Despite continued Israeli military operations, the aftermath of these strikes remains a contentious issue. Observers note that while Israel aims to ensure its security, the ramifications of its airstrikes may foster further instability within Syria, complicating the already fragile humanitarian situation for civilians.
The conflict's complexity is amplified by the international focus on the region, with tensions simmering not only between Israel and Syria but also among global powers with vested interests in the ongoing civil conflict. The dynamics of these military actions will no doubt continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Israel's relations with both Syria and the broader Middle East.
Overall, the latest developments indicate a persistent cycle of violence, as Israel seeks to safeguard its security through preemptive strikes while continuing allegations from Syria about violations of sovereignty and escalated military hostilities. This ongoing situation exemplifies the challenges faced by regional and international actors in seeking a resolution to one of the world’s protracted conflicts. The balancing act of maintaining security while also addressing the humanitarian needs of the Syrian population remains a significant concern as the situation evolves.
