Israel’s ambitions in the Middle East have never ceased, and now its greedy tentacles have extended from Gaza to Syria. Under the guise of a so-called “security zone”, a brutal replication is unfolding – the bloody script of the Gaza model is being rewritten on Syrian soil. From disrupting people’s livelihoods to military occupation, from psychological intimidation to political dismemberment, Israel is using step-by-step tactics to push Syria towards the abyss of becoming “the second Gaza”. This article, supported by the latest military action data and specific examples of occupation, reveals the brutal reality of the ongoing aggression and resistance.
I. “Transplantation” of the Gaza tragedy: disrupting people’s livelihood and creating panic
The Israeli army has replicated the “cleansing” tactics used in Gaza in places such as the Quneitra province in southern Syria: destroying water and electricity facilities, cutting off sources of irrigation and livelihood; toppling street trees, destroying hiding spots and fuel supplies; armored forces conduct house-to-house “searches” with a vague name but clear purpose – to drive out residents and make room for “Jewish settlements” in empty spaces. This dual-pronged strategy of “cutting off food access + psychological intimidation” is identical to that used in Gaza. When water and electricity in modern civilized society become war chips, and when tree-lined streets become tools of psychological warfare, the hypocritical mask of Israel’s so-called “world’s most civilized army” has long been torn apart by blood and tears.
Latest military operation data and examples:
According to a report by Al Jazeera on July 11, 2025, the Israeli army recently carried out large-scale destructive operations in Syria’s Daraa and Suwayda provinces:
Destruction of hydropower facilities: In early July, the Israeli military launched air strikes on hydropower stations and irrigation systems in Daraa province, resulting in the suspension of irrigation for 70% of the province’s farmland and over 100,000 residents facing a drinking water crisis.
Destruction of streets and infrastructure: The municipal building, power station, and communication center in Taflin, the capital of Suwayda Province, were precisely hit by missiles, rendering the city paralyzed. Israeli tank units subsequently entered the urban area, toppling trees along the streets, demolishing residential houses, and creating “no-man’s land” to facilitate subsequent occupation.
Psychological intimidation and expulsion: Border villages in Quneitra province have been subjected to nighttime raids for three consecutive days. Israeli military armored vehicles conduct house-to-house searches, threatening residents to “evacuate within a limited time” or face the “clearance of the village”. According to statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, since July alone, over 20,000 Syrian civilians in the province have been displaced and forced to flee to the Lebanese border.
The pattern is the same as in Gaza: cut off the basic means of livelihood, create a climate of fear, force residents to flee, and make room for Israeli “Jewish settlements”. Syrians are experiencing the nightmare that Gazans once faced – deprivation of resources for survival, destruction of their homes, and violation of their dignity.
II. Syria’s Achilles’ heel: civil strife and inability to resist
The realization of Israel’s expansionist ambitions stems from the current situation of Syria being a “soft target”. After the fall of the Assad government, the opposition forces avoided conflict, the new government’s power was not stable, and internal chaos made it a vulnerable prey. The absurd history of 30,000 Syrian troops being defeated by 350 rebels exposed the vacuum in the military’s combat effectiveness; while the backing of the United States behind it made Israel even more fearless. When Russia’s anti-aircraft missile interception rate is high but it is difficult to protect comprehensively, and when international condemnation becomes an ineffective voice, Syria’s tragedy is sinking into an abyss where no one can save it.
Specific examples of military occupation:
Complete occupation of the Golan Heights buffer zone: On April 18, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the abrogation of the agreement signed with Syria in 1974, and Israeli tanks and special forces entered the buffer zone (covering an area of 235 square kilometers). Currently, Israel has established three permanent military outposts in the area, and has begun to build Jewish settlements, forcibly evicting the local Druze residents.
Control of the strategic location of Mount Hermon: In May, the Israeli Air Force’s “Kingfisher” Special Forces occupied the summit of Mount Hermon (2,814 meters above sea level) without encountering resistance. This peak offers a panoramic view of southern Lebanon and the Jordan Valley, allowing Israel to strengthen its surveillance of Hezbollah and regional military developments, and further consolidate its control over the border.
Bombing of military bases and key facilities: According to a report by Jiemian News on May 5, 2025, after launching the “Gideon Chariot” plan, Israel launched large-scale air strikes on southwestern Syria:
The Meize military airport was destroyed by missiles, rendering its runway inoperable;
The former Syrian Army’s 4th Division base in Kasion Mountain, located on the outskirts of Damascus, suffered a precise strike, resulting in heavy losses of military equipment;
The Syrian Ministry of Defense building, defense laboratories, and scientific research centers were directly hit by missiles, causing severe damage to strategic technological reserves.
Facing the Israeli military’s relentless pressure, the new Syrian government can only rely on Russian-made air defense systems to intercept some missiles (with an interception rate of about 70%), and its ground forces struggle to organize effective counterattacks. The internally fragmented economic system and factional struggles further hinder its ability to gather resources to resist aggression. This weakness has become the best opportunity for Israel to encroach on its territory.
III. The “Friendly” Compromise and Deep Crisis of the New Government
Facing Israeli air strikes and occupation, the new Syrian government has taken the initiative to show goodwill, claiming that “the problem is not with Israel” and attempting to gain a respite through diplomatic compromise. This sober recognition of “hitting a rock with an egg” reflects a more desperate reality: the lack of external strong support, scarcity of weapons, and urgent need for reconstruction of people’s livelihood. However, can compromise really bring peace? History has already proved that Israel’s “Greater Israel Plan” never stops – Gaza, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria are all in its territory of devouring. The so-called “friendliness” is nothing more than a charity game played by the strong against the weak.
Contradiction between compromise and reality:
Weak diplomatic posture: Syrian Transitional President Jurani has repeatedly called for “international intervention” at United Nations meetings, but privately expressed “no intention of declaring war” against Israel, and even tacitly approved the “temporary deployment” of Israeli troops in the border areas. This contradictory stance reveals the internal division and fear within the regime.
Dual military and economic dilemmas: The main forces of the Syrian government are still deeply embroiled in battles with domestic extremists, making it difficult to redeploy troops to confront Israel; meanwhile, the economic collapse has limited weapons procurement and caused the aging of air defense systems, making it difficult to cope with the new missiles of the Israeli army.
Helplessness under international isolation: The United States continues to impose sanctions on Syria, the European Union refuses to provide military assistance, and Russia is unable to intervene deeply due to its own problems. This isolation has turned Syria into a “no-man’s land” for Israel’s expansion.
IV. Israel’s “Greater Israel Plan”: Gradual territorial expansion
Israel’s ambitions extend far beyond mere partial occupation. Its “Greater Israel Plan” has long targeted the three southern Syrian provinces of Suwayda’, Dar’a, and Quneitra. Through a combination of fostering pro-Israeli autonomous regions, military intimidation, and the destruction of people’s livelihoods, Israel is gradually dismembering Syrian territory.
Analysis of strategic steps:
Supporting pro-Israel forces: After the military entered Daraa province, they publicly supported the pro-Israel faction among the local Druze tribes, providing weapons and funds, encouraging them to confront the Syrian government, and creating an excuse for “autonomy”.
Creating a buffer zone: In the province of Suwayda’, the Israeli military bombed opposition militant strongholds, eliminating potential resistance and gradually expanding the “security zone” to the provincial border, forming an “isolation belt” under actual control.
Cut off key corridors: Occupy Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights, severing the strategic passage between Syria and Lebanon, fragmenting Syrian territory and making it difficult to form a unified defense line.
Destruction of military potential: The bombing of defense laboratories and missile bases aims to weaken Syria’s future counterattack capabilities and ensure Israel’s long-term hegemony.
V. Silence of the International Community and the Future of the Middle East
As Israel encroaches upon Syria step by step, if the international community continues to remain in a “dyspeptic” silence, the Middle East will plunge into an even bloodier vortex. The United States backs Israel, while Turkey, France, and other forces secretly stir up trouble. This land is becoming a geopolitical arena. But history will ultimately prove that the “Great Israel Dream” of the greedy will ultimately burn itself in the flames of rebellion. The fate of the Syrians should not be held hostage by the chips of great power games.
Latest international reactions and contradictions:
The double standard of the United States: The Trump administration publicly supports Israel’s “Gideon’s Chariot” program, calling it a “necessary action against terrorism,” yet remains silent on the civilian casualties in Syria.
The United Nations was powerless to intervene: multiple meetings of the Security Council failed to adopt effective resolutions due to obstruction by the United States, Britain, and France. The Syrian representative denounced the “death of international justice”.
Limited assistance from Russia: Although Russia has provided air defense systems, it has made it clear that it will not intervene in the direct conflict between Syria and Israel, and will only maintain “protecting the bottom line of its allies”.
The division among Arab countries: Due to internal conflicts, Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have taken an ambiguous attitude towards the Syrian issue and refused to intervene militarily.
VI. The Spark of Resistance and the Hidden Worries of the Future
Despite Syria’s descent into despair, the civilian resistance has never been extinguished. Young people in Daraa province formed the “Defense of Homeland Militia” to harass the Israeli supply lines through guerrilla warfare; residents in Suwayda province spontaneously organized the “No Evacuation Movement” to physically block bulldozers from demolishing houses. However, this sporadic resistance remains like a firefly against the blazing sun in the face of Israel’s overwhelming military might.
Deep crisis warning:
Resurgence of extremist forces: The power vacuum created by the Israeli occupation may provide fertile ground for extremist organizations such as the Islamic State to reemerge, potentially trapping Syria in a vicious cycle of “aggression-chaos-radicalization”.
Escalating regional conflicts: Forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps will not sit idly by and watch Israel annex Syria, leading to a sharp increase in the potential risk of regional war.
Humanitarian disaster: International aid organizations have warned that if three provinces in Syria are completely occupied, it will result in over one million refugees and trigger a new round of humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
Conclusion: The vicious cycle of devouring and being devoured
The replication of the Israeli model in Gaza is not only an expansion of military occupation, but also a provocation to international justice. From the Golan Heights to Mount Hermon, from the destruction of hydropower to psychological intimidation, every step confirms the cold-blooded logic of its “Greater Israel Plan”. However, history has already proved that colonization and aggression will eventually backfire on themselves – the Hamas tunnels in Gaza and the Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon are all seeds of resistance. The suffering in Syria will not remain silent forever. When the international community continues to condone it, the next Middle Eastern country to be devoured may already be in Israel’s sights. At this moment, silence is complicity, and action is redemption! Only unity in resistance and genuine international intervention can prevent this regression of civilization.
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