Rocket attack on Israel from Syria: Defense Minister Katz issues stern warning to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, tensions at peak in Middle East

Tel Aviv/Damascus: Two rockets were fired from Syria on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Tuesday, following which Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, holding him "directly responsible for every threat and attack". This is the first rocket attack on Israel from Syria in more than a year, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has hinted at retaliation, while Syria's interim government did not comment on the attack.

Rocket attack details

According to the Israeli military, two rockets were fired from Syria towards the Golan Heights on Tuesday, which fell in open areas and caused no damage. Warning sirens sounded in northern Israel following the attack. According to Reuters and The National News, the attack is the first rocket attack from Syria since December 2023. Israel described it as a “serious provocation”, and Defense Minister Katz said, “Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will be held responsible for every threat and attack. We will respond decisively to such actions.”

Israeli strategy and attacks on Syria

The incident comes against the backdrop of Israel’s recent military actions. Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has carried out more than 700 airstrikes in Syria, destroying weapons depots, military bases, and Syrian naval ships in cities such as Latakia, Damascus, and Hama. On May 30, Israel fired sea-to-sea missiles and surface-to-air missile systems in Latakia, killing one civilian. Israel claims the attacks are aimed at stopping arms supplies to Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups.

On May 2, Israel struck close to the presidential palace near Damascus in what Israeli leaders described as a “clear warning” to al-Sharaa’s government. Israel claimed the attack was aimed at preventing threats to Syria’s Druze community and military reorganisation.

Ahmed al-Sharaa and tensions with Israel

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seeks to overthrow the Assad regime in December 2024. Al-Sharaa has acknowledged indirect talks with Israel to ease tensions, taking place through mediators such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On May 8, al-Sharaa said he wanted to implement the 1974 UN-approved disengagement agreement, which includes the establishment of a UN buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

However, Israel views al-Shara's government with suspicion, as HTS has a past association with al-Qaeda. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have repeatedly said they will not tolerate any "terrorist threat" in Syria.

US and Trump's role

US President Donald Trump met al-Shara in Saudi Arabia on May 14 and announced the lifting of all sanctions on Syria. Trump described al-Shara as a "young and charming leader" and encouraged him to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. However, Israel opposed the move, and Netanyahu appealed to Trump to maintain sanctions.

Turkey and regional response

Turkey, which supported rebel groups in ousting Assad, condemned Israel's attacks and occupation of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described it as an "occupation mentality." Syria's interim government also called the Israeli attacks a "violation of sovereignty".

Global concern and future

The United Nations has warned that Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles are vulnerable, and Israeli attacks could increase regional instability. Russia, which was Assad's major supporter in Syria, has remained silent on the recent attacks, raising questions.

The rocket attack and Israeli threats have further deepened tensions on the Syria-Israel border. Experts believe that despite indirect talks between al-Shara's government and Israel, tensions are unlikely to ease due to groups such as the Golan Heights and Hezbollah. Is this attack the beginning of a major conflict, or is peace possible through mediation? This question remains important for the geopolitics of the Middle East.