Israel Vows Full Response After Rocket Barrage From Southern Syria

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz held Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa “directly responsible for every threat and firing towards the State of Israel,” following a barrage of rockets launched from southern Syria on Tuesday evening.

The missile attack triggered sirens across northern Israel and the Golan Heights, prompting a swift response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The military confirmed that rocket sirens sounded in several towns and villages including Hispin in the Golan Heights, Nof Hagalil, Kfar Tavor, and Nazareth.

The initial rocket fire reportedly landed in an open area, causing no casualties or damage. Minutes later, a second barrage of rockets was fired into northern Israel, though it remains unclear whether this second volley also originated from Syrian territory.

Defense sources told The Jerusalem Post that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the rocket launches from Syria and a simultaneous missile launch from Yemen were coordinated attacks.

At this stage, the IDF has not identified which group was behind the Syrian rocket barrage. However, sources indicated that the rockets were launched from deep inside Syria, beyond the typical buffer zone separating Israeli forces and Syrian territory. This suggests the use of medium-range rockets by the attackers.

The Israeli military responded to the attack with artillery fire targeting positions in southern Syria. Defense Minister Katz issued a stern warning, stating, “We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7,” alluding to the devastating surprise attack on Israel earlier last year.

The rocket sirens in Nazareth and other parts of the Lower Galilee were reportedly triggered both by the rocket barrage from Syria and by a separate missile launch from Yemen, according to the Jezreel Valley Regional Council. However, the IDF later clarified that the sirens in the Lower Galilee at 10:00 p.m. were a false alarm.

This rocket attack marks a significant escalation, as it is the first time rockets have been fired from Syrian soil into Israel since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the subsequent rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa to the Syrian presidency.

Al-Sharaa now faces direct accusations from Israel’s defense establishment, who hold his government responsible for any hostile activity originating from Syria.

The IDF is continuing to assess the situation and gather intelligence on the responsible parties behind the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli communities near the northern border remain on high alert, with security forces maintaining readiness to respond to any further provocations.

The latest exchange underscores the fragile security situation along Israel’s northern frontiers, where tensions with Syria and its allied militant groups remain volatile. The involvement of a missile launch from Yemen raises concerns about potential coordination between hostile actors across multiple fronts.

As Israel prepares its military and diplomatic response, Defense Minister Katz’s message was clear: “The full response will come as soon as possible.” The government in Jerusalem is expected to weigh its options carefully amid fears of wider regional escalation.

The IDF’s actions and Israel’s political leadership emphasize the country’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and prevent any repetition of last year’s deadly attacks, signaling a tough stance against threats from across its borders.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members