Moscow 
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has doubts that Israel would withdraw its troops from the Israel-Syria border buffer zone after the situation stabilises. In a press conference, Putin also said Israel is the main beneficiary of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria. He condemned Israel's seizure of territories in Syria. 
“We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops,” Putin said. 
<h2>'A defensive measure'</h2>
On December 8, Netanyahu said that he had ordered the Israeli military to seize a buffer zone on the border with Syria after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria. 
Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Could Receive Nuclear Weapons After Major Drone Attack
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Netanyahu said a 50-year-old "disengagement agreement" between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".
 "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border," he further said. 
However, IDF said its deployment in the buffer zone is just a defensive and temporary measure amid the chaos in the country.
Netanyahu's announcement came after the IDF said it had deployed forces to the area.
<h2>'A direct result of...'</h2>
Furthermore, Netanyahu even claimed credit for starting the events that eventually led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-reservist-charged-in-netanyahus-office-leak-scandal-asks-for-pardon-785322">IDF reservist charged in Netanyahu's office leak scandal asks for pardon</a>
During a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria, Netanyahu said, "This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil—this regime has fallen." 
“This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” he said. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin condemned Israel's seizure of territories in Syria and said, “We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops.” 



Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has doubts that Israel would withdraw its troops from the Israel-Syria border buffer zone after the situation stabilises. In a press conference, Putin also said Israel is the main beneficiary of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria. He condemned Israel's seizure of territories in Syria. “We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops,” Putin said. 'A defensive measure' On December 8, Netanyahu said that he had ordered the Israeli military to seize a buffer zone on the border with Syria after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Could Receive Nuclear Weapons After Major Drone Attack Netanyahu said a 50-year-old "disengagement agreement" between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border," he further said. However, IDF said its deployment in the buffer zone is just a defensive and temporary measure amid the chaos in the country. Netanyahu's announcement came after the IDF said it had deployed forces to the area. 'A direct result of...' Furthermore, Netanyahu even claimed credit for starting the events that eventually led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Also read | IDF reservist charged in Netanyahu's office leak scandal asks for pardon During a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria, Netanyahu said, "This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil—this regime has fallen." “This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has doubts that Israel would withdraw its troops from the Israel-Syria border buffer zone after the situation stabilises. In a press conference, Putin also said Israel is the main beneficiary of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria. He condemned Israel's seizure of territories in Syria.&nbsp;

“We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops,” Putin said.&nbsp;

<h2>'A defensive measure'</h2>

On December 8, Netanyahu said that he had ordered the Israeli military to seize a buffer zone on the border with Syria after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Could Receive Nuclear Weapons After Major Drone Attack

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Netanyahu said a 50-year-old "disengagement agreement" between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".

&nbsp;"I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border," he further said.&nbsp;

However, IDF said its deployment in the buffer zone is just a defensive and temporary measure amid the chaos in the country.

Netanyahu's announcement came after the IDF said it had deployed forces to the area.

<h2>'A direct result of...'</h2>

Furthermore, Netanyahu even claimed credit for starting the events that eventually led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-reservist-charged-in-netanyahus-office-leak-scandal-asks-for-pardon-785322">IDF reservist charged in Netanyahu's office leak scandal asks for pardon</a>

During a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria, Netanyahu said, "This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil—this regime has fallen."&nbsp;

“This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has doubts that Israel would withdraw its troops from the Israel-Syria border buffer zone after the situation stabilises.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has doubts that Israel would withdraw its troops from the Israel-Syria border buffer zone after the situation stabilises. In a press conference, Putin also said Israel is the main beneficiary of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria. He condemned Israel's seizure of territories in Syria. “We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops,” Putin said. 'A defensive measure' On December 8, Netanyahu said that he had ordered the Israeli military to seize a buffer zone on the border with Syria after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Could Receive Nuclear Weapons After Major Drone Attack Netanyahu said a 50-year-old "disengagement agreement" between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border," he further said. However, IDF said its deployment in the buffer zone is just a defensive and temporary measure amid the chaos in the country. Netanyahu's announcement came after the IDF said it had deployed forces to the area. 'A direct result of...' Furthermore, Netanyahu even claimed credit for starting the events that eventually led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Also read | IDF reservist charged in Netanyahu's office leak scandal asks for pardon During a visit to Mount Bental on Israel’s border with Syria, Netanyahu said, "This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. The Assad regime is a central link in Iran’s axis of evil—this regime has fallen." “This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan&nbsp;to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.&nbsp;

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.

<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>

Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>

Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."

"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.

<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights&nbsp;plan</h2>

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".

Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>

With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions

Jerusalem
Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. 
The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.
<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>
Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."
"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.
<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan</h2>
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".
Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. 
Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. 
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for this population plan



Jerusalem Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel on Sunday (June 2) launched an air attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo. The overnight strikes, as per Syrian media reports, happened at around 12:20 am (2120 GMT on Sunday). A number of casualties are being reported, including at least 12 pro-regime fighters.

<h2>Second reported attack on Syria in less than a week</h2>

Citing a military source, the Syrian state media reports that the air attack "led to a number of fatalities and some material damage".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-exploring-governing-alternatives-to-hamas-in-gaza-amid-war-resolution-efforts-728092">Israel exploring governing alternatives to Hamas in Gaza, Netanyahu aide says Biden’s plan accepted</a>

Early on Monday (June 3), NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, "At least 12 pro-Iranian fighters of Syrian and foreign nationalities were killed in an Israeli air strike on a position in the town of Hayyan, north of Aleppo, setting off strong explosions in a factory."

In a statement, the Syrian Ministry of Defence said that "after midnight... the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from the southeast of Aleppo, targeting some positions" near the city.

"The aggression caused several martyrs and material damage," it added.&nbsp;This is the second reported attack by Israel on Syria in less than a week.&nbsp;

Previously, Tel Aviv launched air attacks on May 29 on Syria's central region and the coastal city of Baniyas. Last month's attacks, as per Syrian state media reports, claimed the life of a child and injured 10 civilians.

As per Reuters, for years, Israel has conducted strikes on what it describes as Iran-linked targets in Syria. Tehran's influence in Syria has grown as it has supported President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war that began in 2011.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-midair-collision-between-planes-claims-pilots-life-at-portuguese-air-show-728111">Watch | Midair collision between planes claims pilot's life at Portuguese air show</a>

In April, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Israel after a presumed Israeli strike destroyed a building within Iran's embassy compound in Damascus, killing several Iranian officers, including a top general.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Israel on Sunday (June 2) launched an air attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo. The overnight strikes, as per Syrian media reports, happened at around 12:20 am (2120 GMT on Sunday).

Israel on Sunday (June 2) launched an air attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo. The overnight strikes, as per Syrian media reports, happened at around 12:20 am (2120 GMT on Sunday). A number of casualties are being reported, including at least 12 pro-regime fighters. Second reported attack on Syria in less than a week Citing a military source, the Syrian state media reports that the air attack "led to a number of fatalities and some material damage". Also read | Israel exploring governing alternatives to Hamas in Gaza, Netanyahu aide says Biden’s plan accepted Early on Monday (June 3), NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, "At least 12 pro-Iranian fighters of Syrian and foreign nationalities were killed in an Israeli air strike on a position in the town of Hayyan, north of Aleppo, setting off strong explosions in a factory." In a statement, the Syrian Ministry of Defence said that "after midnight... the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from the southeast of Aleppo, targeting some positions" near the city. "The aggression caused several martyrs and material damage," it added. This is the second reported attack by Israel on Syria in less than a week. Previously, Tel Aviv launched air attacks on May 29 on Syria's central region and the coastal city of Baniyas. Last month's attacks, as per Syrian state media reports, claimed the life of a child and injured 10 civilians. As per Reuters, for years, Israel has conducted strikes on what it describes as Iran-linked targets in Syria. Tehran's influence in Syria has grown as it has supported President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war that began in 2011. Also read | Watch | Midair collision between planes claims pilot's life at Portuguese air show In April, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Israel after a presumed Israeli strike destroyed a building within Iran's embassy compound in Damascus, killing several Iranian officers, including a top general. (With inputs from agencies)

Overnight Israeli airstrike on Syria's Aleppo leaves 'several martyrs and material damage'

Israel on Thursday (March 30) launched "a number of missiles" at Syria. These attacks, which originated from Golan Heights, reportedly targeted the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus. As per the Syrian State Media report citing an anonymous military source, the Israeli attack left two Syrian soldiers wounded and also inflicted "some material damage." However, Syrian air defences confronted the missiles and even "shot down some of them" claims the report.

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🇸🇾Syria: Aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes on al-Midan neighbourhood in Damascus city. <a href="https://t.co/dmoVm4kt1l">pic.twitter.com/dmoVm4kt1l</a>
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As per AFP, explosions were heard in Damascus early Thursday morning.

"At around 01:20 am (10:20 GMT), the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights targeting several positions in the vicinity of Damascus," said Syria's defence ministry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aleppo-airport-hit-by-israeli-airstrikes-syrian-defence-ministry-says-574560">Aleppo airport hit by Israeli airstrikes, Syrian defence ministry says</a>

The ministry did not provide any details of the missile target but specified that two soldiers were injured and material damage was borne by the capital.

Israel routinely launches air strikes on Syria. During the more than a decade of the Syrian war, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes at Damascus. These attacks mainly targeted Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters, as well as Syrian army positions, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-is-a-netanyahu-hits-back-at-biden-for-his-remarks-on-judicial-reforms-576809">'Israel is a...': Netanyahu hits back at Biden for his remarks on judicial reforms</a>

Last week, an Israeli missile strike destroyed a suspected arms depot near Syria's Aleppo airport, which was allegedly used by Iran-backed militias. The strike hit the international&nbsp;airport and "material damage" was reported.

As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the target of the strike was "the airport compound and a weapons depot" operated by pro-Iranian forces on the airport's perimeter. The Britain-based war monitor claimed&nbsp;that the depot had been "completely destroyed".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel on Thursday (March 30) launched "a number of missiles" at Syria. These attacks, which originated from Golan Heights, reportedly targeted the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israel on Thursday (March 30) launched "a number of missiles" at Syria. These attacks, which originated from Golan Heights, reportedly targeted the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus. As per the Syrian State Media report citing an anonymous military source, the Israeli attack left two Syrian soldiers wounded and also inflicted "some material damage." However, Syrian air defences confronted the missiles and even "shot down some of them" claims the report. 🇸🇾Syria: Aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes on al-Midan neighbourhood in Damascus city. pic.twitter.com/dmoVm4kt1l — Donbass Devushka (@PeImeniPusha) March 30, 2023 × As per AFP, explosions were heard in Damascus early Thursday morning. "At around 01:20 am (10:20 GMT), the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights targeting several positions in the vicinity of Damascus," said Syria's defence ministry. Also read | Aleppo airport hit by Israeli airstrikes, Syrian defence ministry says The ministry did not provide any details of the missile target but specified that two soldiers were injured and material damage was borne by the capital. Israel routinely launches air strikes on Syria. During the more than a decade of the Syrian war, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes at Damascus. These attacks mainly targeted Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters, as well as Syrian army positions, reports AFP. Also read | 'Israel is a...': Netanyahu hits back at Biden for his remarks on judicial reforms Last week, an Israeli missile strike destroyed a suspected arms depot near Syria's Aleppo airport, which was allegedly used by Iran-backed militias. The strike hit the international airport and "material damage" was reported. As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the target of the strike was "the airport compound and a weapons depot" operated by pro-Iranian forces on the airport's perimeter. The Britain-based war monitor claimed that the depot had been "completely destroyed". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two injured as Israel launches 'a number of missiles' at Syria's Damascus

An Israeli air strike hit Syria's Latakia port on Tuesday, the second such attack on the key facility this month, according to Syrian state media.

Since the outbreak of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes on its strife-torn neighbour, mostly targeting Syrian government troops as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters.&nbsp;

"At around 03:21 AM, the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression with several missiles from the direction of the Mediterranean... targeting the container yard in Latakia port," Syrian state news agency SANA cited a military source as saying.&nbsp;

The strike caused "significant material damage" and led to fires, it added.

Asked about the strike, an Israeli army spokesman said: "We don't comment on reports in foreign media".

On December 7, Israel carried out strikes on an Iranian arms shipment at Latakia, located in President Bashar al-Assad's western Syrian heartland, without causing any casualties.

That earlier attack, which was the first on the facility since the start of the war, triggered a series of explosions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitor with a wide network of sources in Syria.

In November, three soldiers and two Syrian fighters affiliated with Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah were killed in Israeli strikes, according to the monitoring group.

While the Jewish state rarely comments on individual strikes it carries out on its northern neighbour -- with which it is officially at war -- it has confirmed hundreds since 2011.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Israeli army, it hit around 50 targets in Syria in 2020.

In the deadliest operation since the strikes began, Israel killed 57 regime force members and allied fighters in eastern Syria overnight on January 13, 2021.

The Israeli military has repeatedly defended the operations as a bid to prevent its archfoe Iran from gaining a foothold on its doorstep.

Israel's head of military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has accused Iran of "continuing to promote subversion and terror" in the Middle East.

In a shadow war, Israel has targeted Iran's military sites in Syria and also carried out a sabotage campaign in Iran against its nuclear programme.

Tehran has been a key supporter of the Syrian government in the decade-old conflict.

It finances, arms and commands a number of Syrian and foreign militia groups fighting alongside the regular armed forces, chief among them Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group.

The conflict in Syria has killed nearly 500,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations.

An Israeli air strike hit Syria's Latakia port on Tuesday, the second such attack on the key facility this month, according to Syrian state media. Since the outbreak of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes on its strife-torn neighbour, mostly targeting Syrian government troops as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters.

An Israeli air strike hit Syria's Latakia port on Tuesday, the second such attack on the key facility this month, according to Syrian state media. Since the outbreak of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes on its strife-torn neighbour, mostly targeting Syrian government troops as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters. "At around 03:21 AM, the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression with several missiles from the direction of the Mediterranean... targeting the container yard in Latakia port," Syrian state news agency SANA cited a military source as saying. The strike caused "significant material damage" and led to fires, it added. Asked about the strike, an Israeli army spokesman said: "We don't comment on reports in foreign media". On December 7, Israel carried out strikes on an Iranian arms shipment at Latakia, located in President Bashar al-Assad's western Syrian heartland, without causing any casualties. That earlier attack, which was the first on the facility since the start of the war, triggered a series of explosions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitor with a wide network of sources in Syria. In November, three soldiers and two Syrian fighters affiliated with Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah were killed in Israeli strikes, according to the monitoring group. While the Jewish state rarely comments on individual strikes it carries out on its northern neighbour -- with which it is officially at war -- it has confirmed hundreds since 2011. According to a report by the Israeli army, it hit around 50 targets in Syria in 2020. In the deadliest operation since the strikes began, Israel killed 57 regime force members and allied fighters in eastern Syria overnight on January 13, 2021. The Israeli military has repeatedly defended the operations as a bid to prevent its archfoe Iran from gaining a foothold on its doorstep. Israel's head of military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has accused Iran of "continuing to promote subversion and terror" in the Middle East. In a shadow war, Israel has targeted Iran's military sites in Syria and also carried out a sabotage campaign in Iran against its nuclear programme. Tehran has been a key supporter of the Syrian government in the decade-old conflict. It finances, arms and commands a number of Syrian and foreign militia groups fighting alongside the regular armed forces, chief among them Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group. The conflict in Syria has killed nearly 500,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations.

Israeli air strike targets Syrian port of Latakia: State media

An Israeli airstrike hit a shipment of Iranian weapons in the Syrian port of Latakia Tuesday, in the first such&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on the key facility, a war monitor said.

The Israeli raid "directly targeted an Iranian weapons shipment in the container yard," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Syrian state media reported the strike on the container yard at Latakia port without specifying what was targeted.

The Observatory, a UK-based organisation with a wide network of sources on the ground across Syria, said the raid triggered a series of explosions.

It reported "huge material losses" but added there were no immediate reports of casualties.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, the strike occurred at 1:23 am (2323 GMT Monday).

"Our air defences repelled the Israeli aggression in Latakia," it said, adding that a number of containers caught fire in the strike.

Latakia is the northernmost of Syria's main ports, and lies around 230 kilometres (140 miles) north of Damascus.

Photos and footage published by SANA showed a fire in the yard but state television said later that firefighters had brought the blaze under control.

Israel&nbsp;rarely comments on the airstrikes it carries out in Syria but has said repeatedly it will not allow its archfoe Iran to extend its footprint in Syria.

Since civil war broke out in Syria in 2011,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian territory, targeting government positions as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters.

On November 24, Israeli missile strikes in the west of Homs province killed five people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

In two separate Israeli attacks in October, five pro-Iranian militiamen were killed near the Syrian capital Damascus while nine pro-government fighters were killed near the T4 airbase east of Palmyra in central Syria, the Observatory said.

Iran has been a key supporter of the Syrian government in the decades-old conflict.

It finances, arms and commands a number of Syrian and foreign militia groups fighting alongside the regular armed forces, chief among them Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group.

Tuesday's strike came as Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad wrapped up a visit to Tehran, where he met with top officials to discuss deepening ties.

In 2019, Syria announced it was planning to turn over the container terminal at Latakia port to Iran.

Earlier this year, Iran said it was planning to establish a direct shipping line between Latakia and one of its southern ports.

The war in Syria is estimated to have killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions more since it began with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.

An Israeli airstrike hit a shipment of Iranian weapons in the Syrian port of Latakia Tuesday, in the first such attack on the key facility, a war monitor said. The Israeli raid "directly targeted an Iranian weapons shipment in the container yard," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

An Israeli airstrike hit a shipment of Iranian weapons in the Syrian port of Latakia Tuesday, in the first such attack on the key facility, a war monitor said. The Israeli raid "directly targeted an Iranian weapons shipment in the container yard," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syrian state media reported the strike on the container yard at Latakia port without specifying what was targeted. The Observatory, a UK-based organisation with a wide network of sources on the ground across Syria, said the raid triggered a series of explosions. It reported "huge material losses" but added there were no immediate reports of casualties. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, the strike occurred at 1:23 am (2323 GMT Monday). "Our air defences repelled the Israeli aggression in Latakia," it said, adding that a number of containers caught fire in the strike. Latakia is the northernmost of Syria's main ports, and lies around 230 kilometres (140 miles) north of Damascus. Photos and footage published by SANA showed a fire in the yard but state television said later that firefighters had brought the blaze under control. Israel rarely comments on the airstrikes it carries out in Syria but has said repeatedly it will not allow its archfoe Iran to extend its footprint in Syria. Since civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian territory, targeting government positions as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters. On November 24, Israeli missile strikes in the west of Homs province killed five people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In two separate Israeli attacks in October, five pro-Iranian militiamen were killed near the Syrian capital Damascus while nine pro-government fighters were killed near the T4 airbase east of Palmyra in central Syria, the Observatory said. Iran has been a key supporter of the Syrian government in the decades-old conflict. It finances, arms and commands a number of Syrian and foreign militia groups fighting alongside the regular armed forces, chief among them Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group. Tuesday's strike came as Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad wrapped up a visit to Tehran, where he met with top officials to discuss deepening ties. In 2019, Syria announced it was planning to turn over the container terminal at Latakia port to Iran. Earlier this year, Iran said it was planning to establish a direct shipping line between Latakia and one of its southern ports. The war in Syria is estimated to have killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions more since it began with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011.

Israeli airstrike hits Iran weapons shipment in Syrian port: Report

Israeli&nbsp;airstrikes carried out overnight&nbsp;on&nbsp;targets in&nbsp;Syria's northwestern region of&nbsp;Latakia&nbsp;killed&nbsp;one civilian and wounded several other people, state media and a war monitor reported Wednesday.

The&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;authorities do not generally comment&nbsp;on&nbsp;such reports but they have previously confirmed carrying out dozens of raids in&nbsp;Syria, mostly against Iranian assets.

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"The&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;attack&nbsp;left one civilian dead and six wounded, including a boy and his mother," a military source quoted by the official SANA news agency said.

State media said a plastics factory was among the sites hit in the raids, which struck the towns of Hifa in&nbsp;Latakia&nbsp;and Masyaf in the neighbouring province of Hama.

Syrian air defences were activated to counter the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;missiles, with "some shot down", the report added, without mentioning any military casualties.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 14 fighters were wounded in strikes it said targeted government and allied pro-Tehran forces at several locations.

The Britain-based war monitor, which relies&nbsp;on&nbsp;an extensive network of sources&nbsp;on&nbsp;the ground, said arms depots were also targeted in the mountains&nbsp;on&nbsp;the border between&nbsp;Latakia&nbsp;and Hama provinces.&nbsp;

Latakia&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Mediterranean coast, a bastion of President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite minority, has seen relatively few&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;strikes compared with other provinces.

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In September 2018, Syrian air defences accidentally shot down a plane belonging to ally Russia, killing those&nbsp;on&nbsp;board, after being activated against nearby&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;missiles.

Israel rarely confirms specific strikes in&nbsp;Syria, but its military has said it hit some 50 targets in 2020 alone.

Israel says it is trying to prevent Iran, which has been one of the Syrian government's key allies in the decade-old civil war, from gaining a permanent military foothold&nbsp;on&nbsp;its doorstep.

Thousands of Shiite militia recruited from a variety of countries but whose first allegiance is to Iran have been deployed across&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;in support of the government.

The war in&nbsp;Syria, which began when the government bloodily repressed pro-democracy demonstrations 10 years ago, has left more than 388,000 people dead.

Israeli airstrikes carried out overnight on targets in Syria's northwestern region of Latakia killed one civilian and wounded several other people, state media and a war monitor reported Wednesday.

Israeli airstrikes carried out overnight on targets in Syria's northwestern region of Latakia killed one civilian and wounded several other people, state media and a war monitor reported Wednesday. The Israeli authorities do not generally comment on such reports but they have previously confirmed carrying out dozens of raids in Syria, mostly against Iranian assets. Also read | Israel strikes Syria after attack near secretive nuclear site "The Israeli attack left one civilian dead and six wounded, including a boy and his mother," a military source quoted by the official SANA news agency said. State media said a plastics factory was among the sites hit in the raids, which struck the towns of Hifa in Latakia and Masyaf in the neighbouring province of Hama. Syrian air defences were activated to counter the Israeli missiles, with "some shot down", the report added, without mentioning any military casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 14 fighters were wounded in strikes it said targeted government and allied pro-Tehran forces at several locations. The Britain-based war monitor, which relies on an extensive network of sources on the ground, said arms depots were also targeted in the mountains on the border between Latakia and Hama provinces. Latakia on the Mediterranean coast, a bastion of President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite minority, has seen relatively few Israeli strikes compared with other provinces. Also read | Netanyahu's deadline to form govt in Israel set to expire at midnight with no sign of progress In September 2018, Syrian air defences accidentally shot down a plane belonging to ally Russia, killing those on board, after being activated against nearby Israeli missiles. Israel rarely confirms specific strikes in Syria, but its military has said it hit some 50 targets in 2020 alone. Israel says it is trying to prevent Iran, which has been one of the Syrian government's key allies in the decade-old civil war, from gaining a permanent military foothold on its doorstep. Thousands of Shiite militia recruited from a variety of countries but whose first allegiance is to Iran have been deployed across Syria in support of the government. The war in Syria, which began when the government bloodily repressed pro-democracy demonstrations 10 years ago, has left more than 388,000 people dead.

Israel air raid kills one in Syria coastal region: Report

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes.&nbsp;

The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another.

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Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory.

On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria.

Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War.

According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces."

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Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria."

US visit

The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran.

Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency.

Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal. &nbsp;

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border. An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes. The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement. Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another. Also read| Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory. On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria. Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War. According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces." Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria." US visit The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran. Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency. Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal.

Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets

The Israeli military confirmed it carried out an air strike in Syria in retaliation for what it said was anti-aircraft fire targeting one of its fighter jets. The Syrian province of Quneitra includes the Golan Heights, most of which is occupied and annexed by Israel.

Israel and Syria exchange fire amid soaring regional tensions

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Israeli air strike targets Syrian port of Latakia: State media

Israeli airstrike hits Iran weapons shipment in Syrian port: Report

Israel air raid kills one in Syria coastal region: Report

Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets

Israel and Syria exchange fire amid soaring regional tensions