Israel targets chemical weapons in Syria following Assad's ousting

Israel has conducted airstrikes in Syria targeting chemical weapons following the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated the strikes aimed to prevent these weapons from falling into extremist hands. The fall of Assad has heightened tensions in the region, prompting Israel to establish a buffer zone along its border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military control over an area of about 155 square miles, although Saar noted troops are currently positioned less than two miles from the border. The new Islamist power base in Syria, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, poses an additional threat to Israel. This group is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel's closest ally.