Israel Attacks on Syria

Throughout history there has been a lot of conflict between Israel and Syria. This originates from their hostile conditions of Syria never recognizing Israel as a legitimate state and does not accept Israeli passports as legally valid for entry into Syrian territory. Likewise, Israel regards Syria as a hostile state and generally prohibits its citizens from traveling there. More recently though, these conflicts have been escalated. In the past year alone, Israel has attacked Syria nearly 20 times and have killed at least 44 people and left more than 50 wounded. Israel is targeting positions not just belonging to the Syrian government but Iranian forces as well. In this month of April, 2023, there has been 4 attacks.

April 2, 2023- Israel launched air raids that left 5 wounded in the Homs province in Syria. However, Syrian air defenses intercepted some of the missiles.

April 4, 2023- Israel launches another air raid but on the capital Damascus that results in two killed civilians. There were many damages to the area as well.

April 8, 2023- More attacks with blasts heard from Masyaf city in Syria’s western Hama province. This attack was in the purpose of targeting an Iranian presence in this city.

April 9, 2023- This attack has a different side with Israel acting in response to Syria fired six rockets towards northern Israel. Although there were no casualties or damage caused, Israel military retaliated with artillery fire and fighter jets attacking Syrian army sites.

In response to these conflicts, some public policy responses could be used to approach. For example, to aid either Syria from these Israeli attacks, other countries could provide foreign aid and support. This could go directly into supporting Syria and help prevent any further deaths. However, there are many complications with this approach. First, a major global alliance known as NATO does not have Syria as a member, but they have Israel. This indicates that these many countries apart of NATO cannot help Syria as Israel is a part of their alliance.

Overall, these conflicts in Israel and Syria have been long term but have escalated recently with Israel launching numerous attacks. Public policy approaches could be helpful towards supporting Syria, but it is hard to tell on what is the best possible action.