Following Israel’s strike and dramatic developments on the northern front, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir delivered a sharp message to Turkey and other hostile forces—while standing on Syrian soil. Zamir visited the IDF’s 210th Division on Wednesday alongside Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and division commander Brig. Gen. Yair Palai. The visit included an operational assessment and a tour inside southern Syria.
1+During the tour, Zamir spoke with reservists operating in the sector and made clear that Israel would not accept attempts by foreign forces to establish themselves near its borders. “We are operating in a multi-front reality in which the challenges are constantly changing and developing—the Syrian arena is one of them,” Zamir said. “We see what is happening and are monitoring the changes on the Syrian front—we must prepare accordingly.” “We will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves on our borders, and we know how to employ our power precisely where necessary and when necessary,” he continued. “We must prevent the development of terrorist threats while simultaneously preventing the emergence of a significant military threat on our borders.”
Zamir also addressed the IDF’s proactive operations inside Syria, which are intended to push potential threats farther away from Israeli communities. “In Syria as well, we have created a forward defensive zone that serves as a buffer in front of our communities, where our forces are operating,” he said. “We are still engaged in a multi-front war, vigilant and operating across all arenas. Escalation can develop in any one of them, and we must remain constantly prepared for that possibility.” The declaration takes on added significance amid growing tensions and attempts by forces aligned with Turkey and Iran to expand their influence in Syria.
1+Concluding his remarks, Zamir addressed the reservists, some of whom have served hundreds of days since the outbreak of the war. “The division is doing excellent work. I want to express tremendous appreciation for the reserve forces here,” Zamir said. “I met a high-quality, professional reserve battalion here—reservists who have served hundreds of days since the beginning of the war.” “You were called up for a long period. I am aware of the tremendous burden on your shoulders, appreciate everything you are doing and am working extensively to ease that burden on you and your families. The entire people of Israel owe you a great deal.”
Israel struck Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airfield Tuesday night in eight waves of attacks, following a visit by a Turkish military delegation to the site, according to reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently confirmed Israel’s responsibility for the strike, saying Syria had been preparing to violate the security status quo by allowing Turkish forces to deploy at an air base near Aleppo despite repeated Israeli warnings. The strike was intended to prevent the establishment of a Turkish military presence that Israel considers a threat to its security.
Now, from inside Syria itself, Israel’s military chief has made the red line unmistakable: hostile forces will not be allowed to build a military threat on Israel’s doorstep.