Israel Strikes Syria Hours After Country’s Leader Demands Withdrawal
New York TimesMAR 1
Israel Launches Airstrikes in Southern Syria
Above: People gather in front of the UN office to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements targeting southern Syria in Damascus, Syria on Feb. 25, 2025. Image copyright: Bakr Al Kasem/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The presence of military forces and assets in southern Syria poses a direct threat to Israeli citizens, necessitating preventive action to ensure security. Southern Syria must be completely demilitarized to prevent it from becoming another Lebanon-like threat. Any attempt by Syrian forces or terrorist organizations to establish themselves in the security zone will be met with force.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel is flagrantly violating Syrian sovereignty and international agreements, complicating efforts to reunify the country during a critical transition period. The attacks serve to further destabilize Syria and provoke a response from the new government that Israel could use to justify even more aggression. The international community must pressure Israel to stop these blatant violations.