Israel Strikes Syrian Army Position Used by Hezbollah Terrorists

Latest Developments

The Israeli military struck a Syrian Army position used by Hezbollah on April 9 in southern Syria, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. Israel carried out the strike based on precise intelligence, the IDF added. “The IDF holds the Syrian regime accountable for all activities which take place within its territory and will not allow for any attempted actions which could lead to the entrenchment of Hezbollah on the Syrian front,” the IDF noted in a statement. In addition, the IDF struck a number of Hezbollah observation posts and other positions in the areas of Dhayra and Tayr Harfa in southern Lebanon.

Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah have entrenched in Syria over the last decade as civil war raged across the country. Israel carried out a strike on Iran-linked groups in late March, according to reports. On March 12, the IDF targeted several Syrian army sites used by Hezbollah. In addition, Israel struck Syrian targets in December after rockets were fired from Syria at Israel. According to the IDF, a total of 3,100 launches from Lebanon and 35 from Syria into Israeli territory have occurred since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7.

Expert Analysis

“For years, Israel erred by limiting to Syria what it calls its ‘Campaign Between the Wars’ against Hezbollah. This gave the group, despite being the conflict’s weaker party, the upper hand by allowing it to set the rules of engagement and confrontation. It also provided Hezbollah and its weapons virtual immunity in Lebanon, allowing the terrorist group to deliberately blur the lines between Syrian and Lebanese territory. Israel is now striking Hezbollah in both countries as it sees necessary and must continue to do so even if a ceasefire, of whatever duration, goes into effect in Gaza.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow

“Iranian entrenchment in Syria and its use of the country as a base for its proxies continue to destabilize the region and threaten Israel, U.S. forces, and others. Iranian-backed Hezbollah seeks to use Syrian military positions for terrorist purposes. In addition, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to use Syria as a transit country for weapons destined for Hezbollah. Iran must be deterred from using Syria as a base for threats against the region. Israel should be supported in its defensive actions to deter Iran and its proxies in Syria.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“For years, mounting evidence demonstrates that Syria’s armed forces and Hezbollah are working together against Israel. This poses a two-fold threat to the Jewish state, as it not only has to contend with Hezbollah but also Syria, which has been providing military support to the Lebanese terrorist organization.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Related Analysis

“IDF Strikes Hezbollah Terror Site in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens to Punish Israel After Syria Airstrike,” FDD Flash Brief

“Senior IRGC Leader Killed in Damascus Air Strike,” FDD Flash Brief