Israel escalates military operations in Syria, targeting military sites and seizing territory

Israel has intensified military operations in Syria, launching airstrikes and deploying ground troops into a demilitarized buffer zone for the first time in 50 years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime as a significant change in the region. Israeli forces targeted military sites, including those with chemical weapons and long-range missiles, to prevent them from being seized by extremists. The Israeli navy reportedly destroyed the Syrian naval fleet, marking a notable escalation in the conflict. Arab states have criticized Israel for taking advantage of Syria's instability, accusing it of land grabs. Israeli officials maintain that their actions are focused on security and do not interfere with Syria's internal affairs.