Syria accused Israel of destabilization following a series of strikes on military targets, including an airport, and a ground incursion resulting in 13 deaths. The incidents occurred on Thursday.
Israel stated its actions were a response to fire from gunmen during an operation in southern Syria. They warned interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa of severe consequences if Israeli security is threatened.
Since December, Israel has conducted an extensive bombing campaign against Syrian military assets following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Ground incursions into southern Syria have also been carried out to deter the new government's forces from approaching the border.
Authorities in Daraa province reported nine civilian deaths and several injuries from Israeli shelling near Nawa, marking Israel's deepest ground incursion into southern Syria to date.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria and rejected the presence of the new government's forces near Israeli territory.
The Syrian foreign ministry reported significant damage to a military airport in Hama province, with numerous civilian and military casualties. They condemned the strikes as a deliberate attempt to destabilize Syria.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Syrian leader Jolani against allowing hostile forces into Syria, threatening severe repercussions for any threats to Israeli security interests. The Israeli military confirmed strikes on military capabilities in Hama, T4, and the Damascus area.
A Syrian source indicated that the T4 airbase is of interest to Turkey, the new government's main foreign backer, for potential military use.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Turkey's role in Syria, stating opposition to Syria becoming a Turkish protectorate. Israel claims its actions aim to prevent advanced weapons from falling into the hands of the new authorities.
The Syrian ministry asserted that the strikes undermine the country's rebuilding efforts after 14 years of war, characterizing it as a strategy to normalize violence.
Jordan condemned Israel's repeated attacks as a breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement and a violation of international law. Qatar also denounced the strikes as a violation of Syria's sovereignty.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas previously described Israeli strikes on Syria as unnecessary and potentially escalatory.