2024 Israeli invasion of Syria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2024 Israeli invasion of SyriaOperation Arrow of Bashan |
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| Part of the Syrian civil war, Middle Eastern crisis, spillover of the Israel–Hamas war in Syria and Arab–Israeli conflict | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Israel |
 Syria |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Benjamin Netanyahu Israel Katz Ori Gordin |
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| Units involved | |||||||
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2 brigades (6,000 – 10,000 troops) | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | 6 Syrian civilians killed A number of Syrian civilians taken prisoner Material losses: Multiple military sites destroyed as well as ground, air and naval assets. |
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On December 8, 2024, Israel's army entered a special area between Syria and the Golan Heights. This happened after the Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad, changed. This area is called a buffer zone. It is a neutral space watched by the United Nations (UN).
This was the first time Israeli forces had entered this area in over 50 years. The last time was after a ceasefire in 1974. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the old border agreement was no longer valid. This was because the Syrian army had left its positions. He ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take control of the "Purple Line." This line marks a demilitarized zone where no military forces should be.
At the same time, the Israeli Air Force and Navy began many attacks. These attacks targeted military sites across Syria. This operation was named Operation Bashan Arrow.
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What Happened?
On December 8, 2024, Israeli armored units moved into the buffer zone. This zone is located between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Israeli forces also used artillery fire in the countryside of Syria's Quneitra Governorate.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Syrian army leaving its posts meant the 1974 border agreement was broken. He told the IDF to take temporary control of the Purple Line. This line is a demilitarized zone that Israel had left in 1974. Israel plans to hold this area until a new agreement is made with Syria's new government.
On December 9, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, explained the army's goals. These goals included taking full control of the buffer zone and nearby areas. They also wanted to create a security zone. This zone would be free of heavy weapons and military buildings. Another goal was to stop Iran from sending weapons through Syria to Lebanon.
Why Did This Happen?
Since the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel has controlled most of the Golan Heights. This area is part of Syria. After the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israel and Syria agreed to separate their forces. This created a "no man's land" between them. The UNDOF watched over this area.
In 1981, Israel officially claimed the Golan Heights as its own. However, the United Nations and most countries do not agree with this. Only the United States recognized it as part of Israel in 2019. Israel has also built many settlements in the Golan Heights.
In November 2024, the UN said Israel was breaking the 1974 agreement. This was because Israel was doing construction work and had tanks in the demilitarized zone. Israel replied that it was building a barrier only on its own land. This was to stop possible attacks and protect its borders.
In December 2024, Syrian opposition groups started a large attack against the government. This led to the fall of the Assad government. After this, an Israeli minister, Amichai Chikli, worried about the new Syrian government. He said that parts of Syria were now controlled by groups like al-Qaeda and Daesh. He asked Israel to strengthen its defenses at Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights. This was to prevent attacks from the new Syrian groups.
Israel's Goals
On December 9, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, gave clear military goals for southern Syria. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) received four main goals:
Securing the Buffer Zone
The first goal was to take complete control over the buffer zone. They also wanted to control other important areas nearby in Syria.
Creating a Security Zone
The second goal was to set up a security zone. This zone would go beyond the buffer zone. The IDF would remove all heavy weapons and anything that could be a threat to Israel. They also planned to talk with local communities, like the Druze people.
Stopping Weapon Smuggling
The third goal was to immediately stop Iran from sending weapons. These weapons were being smuggled through Syria to Lebanon.
Destroying Syrian Weapons
The fourth goal was to keep destroying important heavy weapon systems across Syria. This included systems that defend against air attacks, missile systems, and coastal defense systems.
See also
In Spanish: Invasión israelí de Siria para niños
