News and updates about Syria

'You have until 10:00':

Inside Netanyahu's dramatic phone call with Syria's President

New details reveal Netanyahu's reported ultimatum to Syria's President during the Druze massacre, rejecting a 48-hour delay and threatening further strikes.

Inside Netanyahu's dramatic phone call with Syria's President

Netanyahu reveals direct call to Syrian President

Netanyahu says he personally called Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the 2025 Suwayda massacre and vowed Israel would continue protecting Syria’s Druze.

Netanyahu reveals direct call to Syrian President

Operated on behalf of Iran

IDF strikes terrorist behind attacks in southern Syria

The IDF says it targeted Yusuf Ali Al-Hassoun, an Iranian-directed terrorist who planned drone and rocket attacks against Israeli soldiers in southern Syria.

IDF strikes terrorist behind attacks in southern Syria

Magnitude of the failure:

1,200 crew members from banned countries entered Israel

Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,200 foreign airline crew members from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel, including Syria, Lebanon, and Oman, have entered the country.

1,200 crew members from banned countries entered Israel

Planned rocket attack

Syrian forces arrest 3 Hezbollah-linked suspects

Syrian intelligence thwart a planned rocket attack in Daraa, arresting three Hezbollah-linked suspects and seizing weapon shipments.

Syrian forces arrest 3 Hezbollah-linked suspects

Syria Is Purging Assad’s Air Force:

Who will control what comes next?

Every new appointment, training cycle, and base assignment can reveal the direction of Syria’s emerging defense policy. Opinion.

Who will control what comes next?

‘We will not withdraw’:

Katz fires back at Syrian President over Golan

Defense Minister Israel Katz rejects Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights and warns that territory captured in response to future attacks will remain Israeli.

Katz fires back at Syrian President over Golan

At UN:

Al-Sharaa claims Golan for Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa tells the UN the Golan Heights will 'remain Syrian,' accuses Israel of hundreds of strikes and demands an IDF withdrawal.

Al-Sharaa claims Golan for Syria

Syrian President:

'It is not possible for October 7 to dictate Israel’s policies'

Speaking in New York, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa says Israel withdrew from security talks after the sides had nearly reached an agreement, while insisting the Golan Heights are Syrian.

'It is not possible for October 7 to dictate Israel’s policies'

Activists cross the border into Syria

14 Israelis crossed the border into Syria, calling for settlement in the area. An IDF force was dispatched, located them, and returned them to Israel. The military is demanding that legal action be taken against them.

Activists cross the border into Syria

Mystery blasts rock Syrian military sites

Three blasts hit weapons depots and military sites in less than two weeks, killing Syrian soldiers and prompting an investigation into possible Israeli involvement.

Mystery blasts rock Syrian military sites

Danon at UN: Turkey ‘following Iranian playbook’ in Syria

Israeli Ambassador to UN warns Security Council against Turkey’s expanding military presence in Syria, says Israel will not allow Syrian territory to become a base for threats against it.

Danon at UN: Turkey ‘following Iranian playbook’ in 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.

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

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.

Syrian approaches IDF post without being detected

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.

Syria begins destroying remnants of chemical weapons program

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.

IDF drills dozens of extreme war scenarios on Syrian border

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.

Lebanon arrests five over Syria border trafficking 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 site struck by Israel consistent with a nuclear reactor

Syrian media: IDF strikes in Damascus countryside

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

Syrian media: IDF strikes in Damascus countryside

Filastin, Syria, and the Turkish Shadow

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

Filastin, Syria, and the Turkish Shadow

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.

Al-Sharaa marks terror list removal with first Visa payment

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."

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

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.

Syria sentences Assad-era grand mufti to life in prison

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.

Trump removes Syria from US list of state sponsors of terrorism

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.

Iran steps up weapons smuggling to Hezbollah

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.

Syria confirms US-mediated talks with Israel after recent strikes

'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.

US envoy walks back Golan remarks

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.

Report: Mossad chief meets with Syrian Foreign Minister

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.

Syrian FM: Talks with Israel expected to resume soon

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's secret channel to quell the tensions with Turkey

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.

Israel concerned over military escalation with Turkey

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.

Unusual statement by Defense Minister over Shabbat

'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.

Special interview with Amb. Mike Huckabee

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.

Katz to Erdogan: Don't test Israel

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.

'Israel struck despite assurances no Turkish base was planned'

'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.

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

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.

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

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.

Zamir tours Syria after Israeli strike

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.

Turkey rejects Israel's justification for Syria strikes

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.

'Israeli strikes in Syria risked escalation with Turkey'

'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.

Israel confirms Syria airstrikes

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.

Syria admits to possessing nuclear material

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.

US Envoy blames Israel for strikes on Syrian airbase

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.

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

'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.

Katz's order to the IDF in Lebanon

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.

Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

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.

Syrian Air Force is rebuilding

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.

IAEA to extract nuclear materials from clandestine 'Site 99'

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.

ISIS cell captured near Golan Heights

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Two Israelis detained after crossing into Syria

Three Israelis arrested after crossing into Syria

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

Three Israelis arrested after crossing into Syria

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.'

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

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.

Suspect detained for transferring hundreds of thousands to ISIS

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.

Two Israelis detained after crossing into Syria from Mount Hermon

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.

Syrian president: We will not intervene militarily in Lebanon

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.'

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

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.

Syria prepares to move against Hezbollah 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.

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