Israeli Tanks Strike Syrian Positions on Golan Heights, First Such Action Since ’73 Yom Kippur War

The IDF took action on Thursday, firing upon Syrian military positions located on the Golan Heights. This marks the first instance of such an action since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, exactly fifty years ago. The IDF justified this response by citing a clear violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement by Syria, prompted by the identification of new military posts. The IDF considers the Syrian government responsible for all events occurring within its territory.

The newly erected Syrian positions were situated east of the Israel-Syria border, and according to the IDF, the Syrian military had commenced the storage of weapons within these posts on Wednesday. It is believed that these structures were unoccupied by soldiers at the time they were targeted.

Earlier on the same day, a Syrian news outlet associated with the opposition reported that two motorcyclists were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the town of Beit Jinn, located west of Damascus. The Israeli military has not provided any official comment regarding this incident.

This latest strike follows a similar event one week prior in the Syrian port city of Tartus, where at least two soldiers were killed, and six others were wounded. The attack occurred unusually during daylight hours, at around 5:20 pm local time. Syrian state media reported that the strike originated from the Mediterranean Sea and resulted in significant damage. Subsequently, another strike was reported at the Shayrat air base.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indirectly hinted at the country’s involvement in both strikes, stating, “Last night we received further proof that the thunderous sound of planes is stronger than background noise and deeds count more than words.” The situation continues to evolve, with regional tensions remaining at the forefront of international concern.