• Israel's military conducted airstrikes on several military sites in southern Syria, particularly near Damascus and Daraa province.
• At least two fatalities were reported following these airstrikes on military headquarters and weapon storage facilities.
• Syrian authorities condemned the strikes, demanding Israel's immediate withdrawal from Syrian territory.
• The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized a new policy aimed at preventing military forces from establishing a presence in southern Syria.
• The strikes coincide with heightened tensions following the recent changes in Syria's political landscape.

The situation in southern Syria continues to escalate as the Israeli military confirmed on February 25 that it has targeted military sites in the region. ABC News reports that these airstrikes come in the wake of a new policy defined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the demilitarization of southern Syria. Explosive strikes hit Kisweh, located about 20 kilometers south of Damascus, and areas within the Daraa province where strategic military installations supposedly housing weapons were located.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the airstrikes resulted in at least two deaths, with confusion remaining over the identities of the victims—whether they were military personnel or civilians Times of India. The Israeli Army emphasized that it would continue operations to neutralize threats posed by military forces in the area, stating, "The presence of military forces... poses a threat to the citizens of Israel" Reuters.

This military action comes shortly after the newly appointed Syrian government issued demands for Israel to withdraw from its territory, labeling the airstrikes as violations of sovereignty New York Times. The Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Shara led a national dialogue conference on this very issue, culminating in a strong condemnation of Israel's actions, urging international intervention against the perceived aggression.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz articulated the rationale behind the strikes, asserting, "We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon," reinforcing Israel's stance on maintaining control over the strategic region Al Jazeera. The Israeli military has asserted that it aims to prevent the establishment of hostile forces, particularly those affiliated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), from gaining a foothold in the area, as Netanyahu has stated that Israel cannot tolerate HTS or the new Syrian army near its borders Le Monde.

This recent action by Israel signifies an intensification of military efforts in southern Syria amidst ongoing political changes, raising concerns about further conflicts in the region and escalating tensions between Israel and Syria's new leadership.

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