Israel Launches Heavy Airstrikes in Syria IDF Redeploys Troops to Golan
With the Julani regime surrounding Sweida and carrying out atrocities via jihadist militias, Israel shifts elite forces and airpower north. The IDF admits: “We weren’t prepared for a mass crossing into Syria.”
TwitterIn a rapidly escalating crisis on Israel’s northern front, the IDF is moving major ground and air forces to the Syrian border following the unprecedented crossing of approximately 1,000 Israeli Druze into Syria. Military officials admitted they were not prepared for such a large-scale border breach.
Since Monday night, the Israeli Air Force has struck more than 160 regime targets—mainly around the city of Sweida—using fighter jets, Zik drones, and precision munitions. The strikes targeted armed combatants and military vehicles. In parallel, Syrian regime forces launched artillery shelling on Sweida, killing civilians and rebels alike.
The IDF is now preparing to deploy two full divisions to the Golan Heights: the 98th Division—until recently fighting in Gaza—and an additional reserve division. The Paratroopers Brigade, which recently exited Gaza, is also preparing for rapid deployment to the northern front if needed.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who replaced Herzi Halevi in March 2025, has ordered a significant redeployment of Air Force assets—including UAVs and fighter squadrons—from other theaters to the Syrian front. Intelligence collection units are also being redirected north.
The IDF is reportedly considering further strikes against high-value regime targets in Damascus, including those near the Presidential Palace. “What’s happening in Sweida is not loss of control—it’s regime-directed,” said an IDF source. “Julani’s forces are using organized, coordinated units under his command. They’re not bystanders.”
According to military intelligence, about 200 regime soldiers are operating inside Sweida using pickup trucks and other light vehicles—similar to those used by local Druze fighters, complicating identification. Outside the city, another 1,000 jihadist militiamen aligned with the regime have encircled Sweida using tanks and armored vehicles.
Earlier this morning, Druze fighters held control of 70–80% of the city. But as of the latest assessments, Syrian regime forces have regained the upper hand and now control most of Sweida. The city has been fully encircled by Assad-aligned forces, and reports indicate massacres committed by pro-regime jihadist factions.
The IDF is bracing for several days of combat. Dozens of additional buses carrying Israeli Druze are reportedly en route to the Golan Heights. Police and security forces are preparing roadblocks and measures to prevent further border crossings.
Israel has formally asked the United States to apply diplomatic pressure on the Julani regime to withdraw its forces from Jabal al-Druze and de-escalate the conflict. In the coming hours, Chief of Staff Zamir is expected to visit the Syrian border and issue a statement reaffirming solidarity with the Druze community, while emphasizing the need to uphold Israeli law.
A draft of Zamir’s expected statement reads: “The Druze are our brothers. We will not stand by while they are massacred in Syria. At the same time, law and order must be respected.”
International reaction is mounting. Reuters reported an Israeli strike near the Presidential Palace in Damascus. In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s actions, calling the attack an effort to derail Syria’s attempt to restore peace and stability. Ankara urged all international actors to support the Syrian regime’s “stabilization efforts.”