Israel denies tank advance into Syria as airstrikes escalate after Assad's fall

Israeli tanks are reported to have advanced six miles into Syria, reaching near Qatana, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied these claims. The IDF stated that its troops are only within the UN-patrolled buffer zone. Israel has conducted over 300 airstrikes across Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, targeting military installations to prevent extremist groups from gaining control. These strikes have focused on chemical weapons sites and other military assets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's claim to the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967. The IDF maintains that its operations are aimed at ensuring security and preventing threats from the Syrian side of the border.