Israeli Paratroopers Deployed to Syria
Q: Why did Israel deploy paratroopers to Syria?
To conduct "defense activities" and secure the Golan region following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.
Q: What threats are being addressed?
Israel aims to prevent weapons, including chemical weapons and long-range missiles, from falling into the hands of extremist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Q: What action did Israel take alongside the deployment?
It conducted strikes on suspected Syrian chemical weapons sites to neutralize strategic threats.
Q: What did Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu say about the deployment?
He stated that the move is temporary and meant to ensure no hostile forces establish themselves near Israel's border.
Q: Why is the Israel-Syria border significant in this context?
The border, defined by the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, has been a buffer zone for 50 years. Its collapse following Assad's fall prompted Israel to secure the area to prevent hostile forces from establishing positions near its territory.
Q: How did the U.S. respond to Assad's fall?
President Biden called it a "moment of historic opportunity" but also urged caution due to the uncertainty of Syria’s future leadership.
Q: Where is Bashar Assad now?
He fled to Moscow with his family after the rebels took over Damascus.