According to the Syrian Ministry of Defense, the attacks killed 36 people and injured more than 50 others, in addition to destroying many buildings.
These strikes come at a sensitive time, after the escalation of the conflict in Gaza andLebanon“This raises questions about the timing and purpose of these attacks, as I discussed.”newsroomOn Sky News Arabia, with writer and political researcher Hossam Taleb.
Israeli target
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the attacks as targeting armed factions loyal to Iran, specifically a weapons depot near Palmyra Military Airport.
He added that the attacks also targeted a building in the eastern neighborhood of Palmyra, which reflects an increase in Israeli targeting of sites linked to Iran in Syria.
The increasing sensitivity of the Iranian file in Syria has prompted Israel to intensify its strikes, especially since the outbreak of the Gaza war.
Military escalation
In his conversation with the newsroom, Hossam Taleb stressed that the Israeli military campaign against Syria is not new, as it began years ago, but has witnessed a noticeable escalation recently.
Talib explained that Israel is working to target sites that serve Iranian interests in Syria, which contributes to raising the level of tension in the region.
Talib said that the recent attacks gain special importance because of their political and military dimensions after the escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, noting that this escalation comes at a sensitive time after the Hamas attack on October 7.
Is Syria facing a new war?
Regarding whether Syria would be drawn into an open war on multiple fronts, Taleb warned that the current escalation may lead to expanding the circle of war in the region, pointing out that Israel is trying to exploit the current situation to attempt to direct additional strikes against Syria’s allies in the region, especially Iran and Hezbollah.
Despite this escalation, Talib stressed that the Syrian government seeks to maintain its political and military stability and does not seek military escalation.
Diplomatic visits
The dialogue also discussed recent diplomatic moves between Syria and Iran, such as the visit of the Iranian Defense Minister to Syria, which reflects strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In this context, Taleb pointed out that these visits come within the framework of security and military coordination between the two countries in the face of common threats.
He also pointed out that Russia plays a pivotal role in ensuring balance in the region, as it seeks to avoid comprehensive escalation in Syria.
Firm stance in the face of threats
Hossam Taleb pointed out that Syria has always defended its sovereignty and security without seeking to wage wars. He pointed out that Damascus repeatedly stresses that it is not seeking escalation, but that it will be forced to defend itself if the Israeli attacks continue.
He concluded that Syria, despite regional and international pressure, remains steadfast in its defensive position and is trying to maintain its internal stability in the face of military and political challenges.
The Israeli escalation and its impact on the region
With the increase in Israeli attacks on Syria, the question remains open about how these escalations will affect the security situation in the region. Will Israel continue to escalate these attacks in light of the increasing Iranian support for Syria? The coming days remain crucial in determining the course of the crisis, whether through military or diplomatic means.
