Israel's assault on Syria: What transpired, who was Israel targeting?

On Friday, an Israeli military operation in the Damascus countryside town of Beit Jinn resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including two children. The raid followed local resistance against an attempted incursion by Israeli forces, which led to armed clashes.

Israel stated that the operation targeted members of the Jamaa al-Islamiya, the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. The group, however, denied any activity outside Lebanon, dismissing the Israeli claims.

Details of the Raid

The Israeli armys 55th Reserve Brigade entered Beit Jinn early Friday morning, reportedly aiming to detain three Syrian residents accused of being affiliated with Jamaa al-Islamiya and allegedly posing a threat to Israel. The incursion met strong resistance from locals. According to Israeli reports, six soldiers were injured during the confrontations, three of them seriously.

Wounded resident Iyad Daher described the events to AFP from al-Mouwasat Hospital in Damascus: We were asleep when gunfire woke us at three in the morning. We went outside and saw Israeli soldiers and tanks. Later, the air force attacked, and shelling began.

This incident marks the deadliest of Israels more than 1,000 strikes on Syrian territory since the fall of the Assad regime.

Background of Israeli Operations in Syria

Israel has conducted multiple raids and airstrikes in Syria, citing threats along its borders, particularly after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Operations have included airstrikes, ground incursions, and the establishment of checkpoints, often detaining Syrian citizens on Syrian soil.

The recent operation violated the buffer zone established under the 1974 disengagement agreement and involved Israeli outposts around Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon). The Syrian government, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, affirmed adherence to the 1974 agreement. Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967, with a demilitarized zone established later.

Official Reactions

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the operation as a criminal attack and described the shelling as a deliberate act constituting a war crime. Israels public broadcaster referred to the mission as an arrest raid, claiming three individuals linked to Jamaa al-Islamiya were detained.

Israel asserts that the group operates in southern Syria to recruit militants and is active along its northern border with Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported that Israel has not provided evidence supporting its claims of the groups involvement in Beit Jinn.

About Jamaa al-Islamiya

Founded in 1956, Jamaa al-Islamiya is primarily active in Lebanon and has one parliamentary seat. Historically aligned with the Future Movement, it has moved closer to Iran and Hezbollah politically. Its armed wing, the Fajr Forces, participated in some operations against Israel in 2023-24. Following the Beit Jinn incident, the group emphasized that it conducts no activities outside Lebanon and remains committed to the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Previous Israeli Attacks

Israel has previously targeted the group. In March 2024, an airstrike in al-Habbariyeh, southern Lebanon, killed seven relief volunteers. Israel claimed the strike targeted a member of the group labeled a significant terrorist, though the individuals identity was not publicly confirmed.

Author: Sophia Brooks