Israel Conducts Second Airstrike Near Damascus Amid Syrian-US Mediated Talks

For the second time this week, Israeli forces launched an attack near the town of Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside and southern Syria, according to Syrian media reports on Thursday. Multiple Syrian outlets confirmed the strikes, which followed a statement from the Israeli military last Saturday about firing toward a terrorist posing an immediate threat in southern Syria.

The attacks come amid reports of renewed US-mediated negotiations between Syrian and Israeli officials aimed at de-escalation. However, Israeli officials remain skeptical, viewing Syrian overtures as attempts to gain international legitimacy rather than genuine peace efforts. Jerusalem regards proposals such as establishing a US-supervised operations room in Jordan to prevent military clashes as mere lip service.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently sent a clear message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing Israel's readiness to defend its settlements and borders, particularly around Mount Hermon. Meanwhile, concerns persist in Israel about the new Syrian regime under Hassan al-Joulani, which is reportedly leveraging ties with Turkey to consolidate power and build an independent military force potentially hostile to Israel.

A Syrian source warned Israeli media that al-Joulani’s group is currently in a "consolidation phase," using negotiations to buy time while strengthening militarily, with a potential attack against Israel feared on October 7. Israeli security officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining full freedom of military action in Syria to neutralize threats and preserve strategic airspace access.

Despite ongoing regional power struggles involving Turkey and Iran, Israel signals it will continue to respond decisively to immediate threats, as demonstrated by recent strikes near Damascus and southern Syria. Jerusalem remains cautious about the prospects for a lasting agreement with Damascus, emphasizing security interests over diplomatic gestures.