At least seven people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting military sites in central Syria on Sunday night, according to reports from various sources. The strikes are part of Israel's ongoing military operations against pro-Iranian groups and President Bashar al-Assad's forces, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll included three civilians and four unidentified soldiers, with 15 others injured during the attacks, which also destroyed military buildings and a scientific research center near Masyaf.
In a related development, former Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz emphasized the need for Israel to take decisive action against Hezbollah and Iran, stating that the country has 'waited too long' to address threats from the north. Gantz's comments came during a Middle East Discussion Forum in Washington, where he expressed concerns over the recent escalation of violence along the Israeli-Lebanese border and the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Thousands of Israelis have been displaced from the north due to the conflict, and Gantz criticized the government's evacuation strategy post-Hamas attacks.
Additionally, three Israeli security guards were killed in a separate incident at the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan when a Jordanian truck driver opened fire. This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel amidst its military operations against Hamas. The perpetrator, identified as a Jordanian citizen, was reportedly transporting goods when he opened fire on Israeli forces at the crossing, which serves as a critical access point for Palestinians.
