In a pattern similar to its ongoing bombardment of Lebanon, Israel has significantly intensified airstrikes in Syria over the past two days, particularly targeting Damascus, its surrounding countryside, and the central governorate of Homs. These strikes, primarily aimed at Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian militia positions, have resulted in civilian casualties, including in residential areas such as Mezzeh and Qudsaya on Thursday, November 14.
While Israel’s military actions are focused on Iranian and Hezbollah positions, it has shown little direct concern with the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, according to a Jerusalem Post analysis. Instead, Israel is primarily targeting Assad’s forces, which it sees as enabling Iran and Hezbollah’s presence in Syria.
Consecutive Strikes in Damascus and Surrounding Areas
On Friday, November 15, Israeli warplanes launched further strikes on the Mezzeh area in Damascus, near the southern ring road adjacent to Mezzeh highway. Reports indicated no immediate damage to buildings or neighbourhoods, and the specific targets remained unclear. The Syrian news outlet Sawt Al-Asima, which covers Damascus news, noted that the strike occurred behind the Yasmine Rotana hotel, near the southern ring road’s end.
The strikes prompted heavy movement of ambulances near the Kafarsouseh and Mezzeh neighbourhoods, although no additional details have emerged regarding the nature of the targets.
This followed a series of raids on Thursday, November 14, that targeted multiple locations, including the southern countryside of Homs, Sayeda Zeinab in Damascus, Mezzeh, and Qudsaya. Prior to these, Israeli aircraft conducted large-scale strikes near the Lebanese border. In Mezzeh, the strikes resulted in civilian deaths, including children from the same family.
Israel claimed its attack on Damascus was aimed at Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) facilities, and later confirmed the deaths of some PIJ members, though the exact number was not disclosed.
Tactical Strategy and Objectives
The recent Israeli escalation in Syria, especially over the last three days, is seen as part of Israel’s long-standing strategy to counter Iran’s growing influence in the region and prevent the expansion of the northern front in Syria. According to political analyst Nader Khalil, the airstrikes reflect Israel’s continued tactical efforts to disrupt Iranian and Hezbollah operations rather than any shift in broader policy toward Syria.
While the timing of these strikes may appear intense, Khalil suggests they are driven by precise intelligence about sensitive targets that Israel believes it can strike without provoking a wider regional conflict. These actions are part of an ongoing series of tactical operations aimed at neutralizing short-term threats posed by weapons, facilities, or high-ranking individuals that could support Iran’s military presence or pose a strategic risk in the future.
This escalation is not seen as a major policy shift, but rather a continuation of Israel’s routine operations in Syria, based on intelligence indicating the presence of weapons or key personnel that could threaten Israel’s security. Khalil emphasized that these operations are designed to disrupt adversaries’ acquisition of advanced weaponry, such as precision-guided missiles or drones, which could alter the balance of power in the region.
A Delicate Balance
One of the key aspects of this Israeli strategy is maintaining a delicate balance. While Israel aims to meet its military objectives, it is careful to avoid triggering significant retaliation from other regional powers, particularly Russia, which has a military presence in Syria and holds considerable influence over the conflict. The timing and scale of Israeli airstrikes are thus calibrated to avoid major regional escalation while achieving tactical military gains.
The escalation, therefore, appears to be driven by tactical considerations rather than a broader political shift. Israel seeks to act decisively when intelligence about critical targets is available, but it will adjust the intensity of its operations depending on the situation on the ground.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
