In brief
Israel's unprecedented military move comes as rebel factions gain ground against the Assad regime, signaling increased instability in the region.
Israeli ground forces have crossed the demilitarized zone into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October War, according to reports from two Israeli officials on December 8, 2024. This deployment aligns with the rising momentum of rebel groups aiming to oust President Bashar al-Assad from power amid the ongoing Syrian civil war, prompting surrounding nations to prepare for further regional turmoil following Assad's potential downfall.Israeli troops have established control over key strategic locations, including the mountain summit of Mount Hermon and several other sites crucial for maintaining stability in the area. This confirmation was echoed by Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, who acknowledged on Saturday that Israeli forces had been deployed into Syrian territory without elaborating on specific operational details.Historically, Israel has engaged in covert operations within Syria as part of its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group that has supported Assad's government. Recently, the Israeli military has adopted a more direct approach, targeting sites linked to Hezbollah, especially supply routes. However, the current ground troop deployment represents a notable shift in policy, as it marks the first time Israeli forces have openly entered Syrian land since the implementation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement following the last war between the two nations.
