Israeli Forces Launch Deepest Incursion into Syria: Reports
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Israeli ground forces have carried out their deepest incursion into Syrian territory to date, advancing into areas in the southwestern provinces of Quneitra and Dara’a, local reports said on Tuesday.
The operation took place hours after Israeli airstrikes targeted sites near the coastal city of Tartus in northern Syria. Backed by helicopter airdrops and armored convoys, Israeli troops moved into multiple locations, focusing on Tel al-Mal in Dara’a and the town of al-Mashara in Quneitra, according to local sources.
In Tel al-Mal, Israeli forces reportedly entered a military site near the outskirts of Quneitra’s provincial capital, conducted searches, and later withdrew. Syrian sources and observers said this incursion marked Israel’s deepest advance into Syria since 1967, when it occupied the Golan Heights.
The invasion surpasses the Zionist regime’s ongoing military escalation against Syria, which began in November 2024, during which foreign-backed militants ousted the country’s former government.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes had struck a Syrian air defense battalion near Tartus. The new Syrian administration’s media confirmed the attack, reporting material damage but no casualties.
The Israeli military claimed its actions were intended to prevent weapons from reaching hostile groups, a justification it has repeatedly used during its nearly five-month military campaign in Syria. Israeli officials have also argued that the escalation aims to contain potential spillover violence into the occupied Palestinian territories.
As part of its operations, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the regime's military to prepare for possible actions to "protect" the Druze community in areas south of Damascus, citing alleged threats to their safety.
"Tel Aviv will retaliate if the Druze are harmed," Netanyahu said, pledging "full support" for them inside Syria.
Additionally, Israel has called for the "demilitarization" of southern Syrian provinces, including Quneitra, Dara’a, and Sweida. The demand has sparked widespread protests by Syrians condemning Israel’s criminal actions as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
