Syria

Katz:

‘When necessary, we’ll strike Iran a third time’

From Mount Hermon, Defense Minister Katz vows Israel will remain in the Syrian security zone and warns that Iran could face a third Israeli strike.

Security breach:

Syrian approaches IDF post without being detected

IDF investigates how a Syrian citizen reached a military installation in the southern Golan Heights undetected; initial inquiry finds no attempted attack.

From the Assad era

Syria begins destroying remnants of chemical weapons program

Syria announces it has begun destroying remnants of Assad's chemical weapons program, with the UN verifying the destruction of 42 aerial bombs.

IDF drills dozens of extreme war scenarios on Syrian border

IDF's 210th Division stages massive Golan Heights exercise, drilling mass-casualty attacks, rapid-response forces and battlefield emergencies based on lessons from October 7.

Lebanon arrests five over Syria border trafficking network

Lebanon arrests five Lebanese and Syrians accused of bringing people from Syria for military training, as Hezbollah denied links to the alleged network.

IAEA:

Syrian site struck by Israel consistent with a nuclear reactor

The IAEA says a Syrian site bombed by Israel in 2007 held infrastructure consistent with a nuclear reactor and that Assad-era authorities failed to declare nuclear activities.

Syrian media: IDF strikes in Damascus countryside

Syrian media reports IDF troops struck near Beit Jinn with two shells. No official confirmation from Israel.

Filastin, Syria, and the Turkish Shadow

A century of regional confrontation-and the old Ottoman Map that refuses to die.

Watch:

Al-Sharaa marks terror list removal with first Visa payment

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa makes the first electronic payment in Syria using a Visa card at a store in Damascus, following the lifting of US sanctions on Syria.

Katz’s message to Syrian Pres. from Mt. Hermon summit

Defense Minister visits IDF troops at the summit of Mount Hermon and sends a message to Damascus: “As long as there are threats, the IDF will remain here."

Syria sentences Assad-era grand mufti to life in prison

A Syrian court sentences former grand mufti Ahmed Hassoun to life in prison after convicting him of inciting civil war and intentional killing.

Trump removes Syria from US list of state sponsors of terrorism

The Trump administration removes Syria from the US terror list, easing sanctions and opening the door to investment and reintegration into global markets.

Supposed ceasefire:

Iran steps up weapons smuggling to Hezbollah

Defense establishment identifies significant increase in attempts by Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transfer weapons through Syrian territory directly into Lebanon.

Syria confirms US-mediated talks with Israel after recent strikes

Syria confirms US-mediated talks with Israel in Jordan focused on halting strikes and reducing tensions following recent Israeli military operations.

'Policy remains unchanged'

US envoy walks back Golan remarks

US envoy Tom Barrack walks back remarks that Israel “still" occupies the Golan Heights, stressing that Trump's 2019 recognition remains US policy.

Report: Mossad chief meets with Syrian Foreign Minister

A rare meeting was held between Mossad Director Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in an effort to ease tensions and prevent a security escalation.

Despite lack of trust

Syrian FM: Talks with Israel expected to resume soon

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani says talks with Israel may resume soon, as Damascus seeks a security deal and an end to Israeli strikes.

Israel's secret channel to quell the tensions with Turkey

Israeli defense official says Israel does not seek conflict with Turkey but will act to prevent Turkish military systems in Syria from threatening Israel.

Israel concerned over military escalation with Turkey

Israel’s defense establishment is closely monitoring the public exchange of threats between Jerusalem and Ankara, warning that tensions could undermine the IDF’s freedom of action in Syria.

Unusual statement by Defense Minister over Shabbat

Defense Minister claims Israel warned the Syrian regime in advance against an attempt to allow Turkey to establish a presence at the Abu al-Duhur airbase.

'Hamas hasn't changed'

Special interview with Amb. Mike Huckabee

In a special Arutz Sheva interview, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee speaks out on Iran, Hamas, Syria, Israel's upcoming elections, and Trump-Netanyahu ties.

Katz to Erdogan: Don't test Israel

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against dragging country into 'dangerous adventures' in Syria.

Syrian FM:

'Israel struck despite assurances no Turkish base was planned'

Syrian FM Asaad Al-Shaibani tells Axios that Israel struck Abu al-Duhur airbase despite assurances Syria had no plans for a permanent Turkish military presence.

'Don’t'

Mossad Chief's secret phone call before the strikes in Syria

Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly spoke with Syria’s foreign minister days before Israel struck an airbase, warning against Turkey’s military presence.

Chief of Staff in Syria

'We won't allow enemies to establish themselves on our borders'

LTG Eyal Zamir tours security zone in southern Syria, warns escalation could develop on any front and praises reservists who have served hundreds of days since the war began.

Zamir tours Syria after Israeli strike

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visits IDF positions in southern Syria following strike on Syrian airbase to prevent planned Turkish military deployment.

Turkey rejects Israel's justification for Syria strikes

Turkey rejects Israel's justification for strikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase, accusing Jerusalem of violating Syrian sovereignty and stability.

US envoy:

'Israeli strikes in Syria risked escalation with Turkey'

US envoy Tom Barrack says Israeli strikes in Syria highlight the need for Israel, Syria and Turkey to establish a mechanism to prevent escalation.

'We will not tolerate threats'

Israel confirms Syria airstrikes

Netanyahu’s office confirms strikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase and warns Damascus over Turkish troop deployment, saying Israel will not tolerate threats.

Syria admits to possessing nuclear material

Syrian Foreign Minister announces that the IAEA will receive access to a site in Deir ez-Zor after more than 18 years, effectively confirming the presence of nuclear material in the country.

US Envoy blames Israel for strikes on Syrian airbase

Arab media reports four airstrikes targeting a military airport near Idlib, with some sources suggesting Israeli aircraft were involved.

NYPD:

No security detail for Mamdani's wife on Syria, Lebanon trip

NYPD says it will not send officers with Rama Duwaji on her planned Syria and Lebanon trip, citing Level 4 US travel advisories for both countries.

'We will not withdraw':

Katz's order to the IDF in Lebanon

Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to prepare for a long-term stay in Lebanon, saying Israel will not withdraw from its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza.

Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

A Syrian court has sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after convicting him of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war.

Israel identifies:

Syrian Air Force is rebuilding

The defense establishment has identified an acceleration in the rebuilding of the Syrian Air Force, roughly a year and eight months after the IDF declared its destruction.

Syria nuclear program

IAEA to extract nuclear materials from clandestine 'Site 99'

The IAEA will extract nuclear material from a secret Syrian site following a US-brokered deal with Damascus and Israel to avert a regional escalation, reports Axios.

Syria:

ISIS cell captured near Golan Heights

Syrian security forces in Damascus arrested nine terrorists in the city of Khan Arnabeh, near the Golan Heights. The arrests come amid efforts to thwart the smuggling of drones and missiles to Hezbollah.

Near Damascus

Syria: At least two dead, 13 injured in minibus explosion

A minibus bomb in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana kills two people and injures 13, highlighting persistent security threats under Syria's new leadership.

Sa'ar fires back at Turkey: Israel will keep defending itself

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected Turkish criticism of Israel's Syria operations, accusing Ankara of hypocrisy and defending Israel's security measures.

Two Israelis detained after crossing into Syria

Soldiers locate, return, two Israeli civilians who crossed border into Syria, handing them over to police for questioning.

Three Israelis arrested after crossing into Syria

IDF returns three Israeli activists to Israeli territory a day after they crossed the border.

Watch: Torah scroll dedicated at IDF 'Keter Hahermon' outpost

In moving ceremony, IDF soldiers stationed some 40 kilometers inside Syrian territory dance and sing, welcoming new Torah scroll to their remote outpost. 'Through the unity of Israel, we will prevail.'

Lebanon:

Suspect detained for transferring hundreds of thousands to ISIS

Lebanese authorities arrest a suspect who stole $400,000 from his father to finance ISIS operations, uncovering a cross-border terror funding cell.

Two Israelis detained after crossing into Syria from Mount Hermon

Two Israeli civilians cross border into Syrian territory, are located by IDF troops, returned to Israel, and detained.

Syrian president: We will not intervene militarily in Lebanon

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa says Damascus won't involve itself militarily in Lebanon, but warns internal instability there would have serious repercussions for Syria.

President of Syria:

'Security agreement with Israel could pave the way for peace'

President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa says that his country is working to reach a security agreement with Israel, involving additional countries, which could pave the way for comprehensive peace, without giving up the Golan.'

Damascus’s secret path

Syria prepares to move against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Despite the Syrian president’s official rejection of President Donald Trump’s proposal, preparations are underway behind the scenes to intervene on the Hezbollah issue in Lebanon.

For 2nd time in a week: Syria thwarts Hezbollah smuggling attempt

Customs at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing foiled an attempt to smuggle 226 grenade launcher rounds and other weapons concealed in a private vehicle bound for Lebanon.

Disaster averted

Seconds before impact: IDF aborts strike on Israeli civilians

IDF drones were moments from striking five suspects near the Syrian border before lookouts realized they were Israeli activists, not terrorists.

'Criminal offense'

IDF condemns wave of civilians crossing border into Syria

IDF detains and hands over to police several civilians who crossed into Syria near Majdal Shams, warning such border incursions risk lives and security.

Syria blocks major Hezbollah arms shipment from Iraq

Syrian authorities seize long-range missiles, anti-tank weapons and drones allegedly destined for Hezbollah after foiling a cross-border smuggling attempt.

Katz, Hegseth, hold security talks

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth updates Defense Minister Israel Katz on US military operations in Iran; Katz reaffirms Israel's determination to maintain security zones after October 7 massacre.

'They don't want you there'

Report: Trump pressed Netanyahu to pull out of Syria, Lebanon

According to Axios, President Trump urged Netanyahu to redeploy Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon while Israel cites ongoing security concerns.

Has Ahmadinejad been recruited? If so, he is not the first

Was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the anti-Israel Iranian president, actually recruited by the Mossad? It remains unclear, but already in the early years of the state there was a mysterious connection with a hostile president.

President Trump:

Netanyahu has been a 'great wartime prime minister'

Speaking alongside Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, President Donald Trump praises Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime leadership, saying Israel’s security depended on strong leadership, while discussing Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and regional developments.

France and Syria ink deals during Macron visit

France and Syria forge multiple economic agreements and established joint committees to coordinate national reconstruction and banking reforms.

Syria:

Explosions near hotel where Macron is staying

Explosions heard near hotel in Damascus, Syria, where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying.

Macron lands in Damascus in historic visit to post-Assad Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Damascus, breaking Western precedent to engage with Syria's new leadership on security and economic rebuilds.

Macron set for historic Syria visit, boosting post-Assad regime

French President Emmanuel Macron will soon visit Syria, making him the first Western leader to travel there since the 2024 collapse of the Bashar Al-Assad regime.

Israeli activists claim violent eviction from Syria

The Pioneers of the Bashan movement alleges excessive force during the evacuation, claiming teenagers were dragged, phones confiscated, and several activists detained.