Israel claims airstrikes have destroyed most of Syria's strategic weapons stockpiles

Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes in Syria, claiming to have destroyed most of the country's strategic weapons stockpiles. Over 350 strikes targeted military sites, including airfields and naval facilities, following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the goal is to create a "sterile defense zone" in southern Syria without a permanent troop presence. Israeli forces have moved into a demilitarized zone, but military officials denied significant advances toward Damascus. The airstrikes aimed to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of rebel groups, some linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Israel remains cautious about the new rebel factions while expressing a desire for relations with a potential new Syrian regime.