Fires from Syria Ignite Counterattacks in South of Neighboring Country
Syria initiates shelling towards Israel; Israel retaliates with strikes in response, targeting Syrian army positions in the south. - Syrian aggression met with Israeli counter-strikes in retaliation, reported in the southern neighboring region.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by the state-run Syrian News Agency (SANA), alleged that "multiple parties are attempting to destabilize the region for their own gain." The ministry could not verify reports of fires directed at Israeli territory.
Damascus vehemently condemned Israeli air strikes but sought to alleviate tensions. In a statement by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to SANA, "This escalation constitutes a flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty and exacerbates regional tensions." The ministry emphasized the importance of peaceful resolutions more than ever.
Projectiles fired from Syria into Israel struck uninhabited areas in the north of the country, causing no casualties or significant damage. Sirens were heard in the villages of Chaspin and Ramat Magshimim located on the Golan Heights, annexed by Israel in 1981 following occupation in 1967.
The Israeli army retaliated, firing into southern Syria. The Yarmuk Basin in the west of Daraa province was reportedly targeted by Israeli forces, according to SANA.
Violent explosions were reported in southern Syria, particularly in Kuneitra city and Daraa province. Agricultural areas were hit, but no casualties were reported, as per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The observatory claimed the Israeli attacks targeted weapons belonging to Syrian authorities.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to his office, deemed the Syrian president directly accountable for any threats or fires against Israel, promising a "comprehensive response." The government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa was quoted by SANA as stating, "Syria poses no threat to anyone." Syria's top priority in the southern region, it said, was "establishing state authority and eliminating the presence of unofficial weapons."
Relations between Syria and Israel remain fragile, marked by both tension and cautious dialogue. Since late 2024, Israel has intensified airstrikes in Syria, concentrating on Iranian-linked targets and warning Syria's new leadership against allowing Iranian or jihadist threats. These airstrikes represent the heaviest in years, with significant incidents such as attacks near Damascus' presidential palace in May 2025[1][5].
Israel has sustained effortson its northern border, while attempting to reduce tensions through dialogue. Dialogue addresses the presence of Palestinian factions in Syria and striving to ensure Syria does not become a host for activities antagonistic towards Israel[3][4].
Diplomatic discussions between Syria and Israel have occurred, with the aim of preventing conflict and addressing Israel's concerns about northern border security, particularly regarding Iranian-backed militias and other threats[3][4]. The US has been instrumental in promoting dialogue, with President Donald Trump meeting Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh. Conversations included the potential for normalization under specific conditions, such as halting Israeli airstrikes and reevaluating the status of the Golan Heights[4].
The Turkish-Israeli relationship has also become more intricate. Previously allies against common adversaries, increased tensions have developed as Turkey supports Islamist factions in pursuit of a political solution[5]. Overall, Syria and Israel are engaging in diplomatic channels to navigate their complex relationship despite ongoing tensions and military actions.
Keywords: Syria | Israel | Counterattacks | Border Tensions | Neighboring Country | US Involvement | Golan Heights | Palestinian Factions | Iranian-backed Militias | Diplomatic Talks
The Commission, amidst the escalated tensions between Syria and Israel, has also adopted a proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of the environment in the Mediterranean Sea to address the broader issues of war-and-conflicts and politics that have a general impact on the region. Syria, despite engaging in diplomatic talks with Israel and the US, continues to grapple with border tensions, as the Golan Heights remains a contentious issue, with Palestinian factions and Iranian-backed militias adding to the complexity of Syrian-Israeli relations.
