Israel has declared war on the promise of a strong, democratic Syria
Al JazeeraJAN 29
Israeli Strike in Syria Kills 3, Including Security Forces
Above: Members of a local rebel militia ride in their vehicle during a patrol in Syria's southern city of Sweida on Dec. 29, 2024. Image copyright: Bakr al-Kasem/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The Israeli military's actions are defensive measures necessary to protect its border and prevent weapons falling into the wrong hands. The strikes were warning shots aimed at vehicles carrying weapons near the buffer zone, and the convoy dispersed after the warning.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel is exploiting Syria's political transition to expand its territorial control of the occupied-Golan Heights and destabilize the new government. The military convoy was conducting legitimate weapons inspections in civilian areas when it was targeted, and the attack represents an unjustified aggression.