BEIT JENN, SYRIA – Residents of Beit Jenn, a town in the Damascus countryside, mounted a defense against an Israeli incursion early Friday morning, raising questions about Israel’s broader strategy in the region and posing challenges for the Syrian government.
According to reports, Israeli forces launched an operation targeting Beit Jenn, claiming to be apprehending three individuals allegedly linked to what Israel describes as an “Islamic Group.” However, local residents actively resisted the incursion, resulting in injuries to six Israeli soldiers, including three officers, as acknowledged by the Israeli military.
Syrian state media reported that the Israeli operation escalated into intense clashes within residential areas, followed by Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling on the outskirts of Beit Jenn. These actions reportedly led to the deaths of 13 people. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli aggression, labeling it a “full-fledged war crime.” Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani called upon the United Nations, the Security Council, and the Arab and Islamic nations to uphold their responsibilities in the face of repeated Israeli violations.
Analysts suggest that this incident is part of a broader Israeli strategy to exert pressure across multiple fronts, from Gaza to the West Bank to Lebanon. Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, an expert in Israeli affairs, stated that Israel is expanding its military operations in these regions to convey a message that it will not withdraw under the pretext of security threats.
Dr. Mustafa believes that the Beit Jenn operation serves as a signal to Damascus that Israel is not prepared to withdraw from Syria and is in no hurry to finalize a security agreement as long as it perceives threats emanating from within Syrian territory. Dr. Liqa Makki, a researcher at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, argues that Israel aims to project an image of consistent policy across all fronts, unconstrained by international laws.
The events in Beit Jenn highlight the volatile situation in southern Syria and the potential for further escalation. The response of the Syrian government and the international community will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the conflict.
