Syrian rebels ousted pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday, bringing the insurgents a major new victory after a lightning advance across northern Syria.
Israeli intelligence officials have identified an unexpectedly rapid collapse of the Syrian army’s defensive lines in battles with rebels in the northeast of the country over the past 24 hours, according to two senior Israeli officials.
Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi held a situation assessment to discuss the developments in Syria, the IDF announced Thursday evening.
“The IDF is monitoring events and preparing for any scenario, both offensive and defensive,” the statement reads. “The IDF will not allow threats near the Syria-Israel border and will act to thwart any threat to the citizens of Israel.”
Israel warned Iran not to send forces or transfer weapons to the Syrian rebels, which could end up in Hezbollah’s possession, according to N12. It is still unclear how Iran will act amid this rebellion. The IDF is on high alert for any outcome, including the collapse of Syria.
Syrian rebels
Syrian rebels ousted pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday, bringing the insurgents a major new victory after a lightning advance across northern Syria and dealing a new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.
The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city “to preserve civilians lives and prevent urban combat” after what it called intense clashes.
Rebels said they had taken districts in the city’s northeast and had seized the central prison, freeing detainees.