IDF Chief Visits Wounded Soldiers After Battle in Syria Amid Protests Against Israel
IDF Chief’s Hospital Visit
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, General Eyal Zamir, visited the Shiba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer on Friday to meet two reservists from Battalion 55 (“Chod Hachanit”) who were injured in a clash with militants from Al-Jamaah Al-Islamiyah in the village of Beit Jen in southern Syria. Central Command Commander, Major General Avi Blot, also attended the visit.
The father of start of the wounded soldiers described the encounter, stating, “The Chief of Staff shook my son’s hand and came to strengthen him and his friends.” The soldier, a 25-year-old university student, was on reserve duty in Syria and had planned to return home the prior evening. “He called to let me know he was delayed and would arrive on Friday. He didn’t want to share too much about the activity,” the father recounted. He noted that both sons were expected to celebrate their 25th birthday together.
Protests Erupt in Syria Following Incident
In the wake of the battle, protests erupted across Syria, with demonstrators burning Israeli flags in Damascus. Reports indicated that citizens expressed solidarity with start another, rejecting any plans for the division of Syria or separating it from its territory. They condemned Israel’s actions in Beit Jen.
Amidst the unrest, various regions, including Homs, witnessed chants against Israel, affirming Syrian unity. Meanwhile, state media outlets affiliated with President Ahmad al-Shara published images of civilians taking to the streets, marking start year since the initiation of Operation “Deterring Aggression,” a military campaign launched against the regime of Bashar al-Assad last December.
Casualties and Military Response
The IDF reported that during the operation in Beit Jen, six soldiers were wounded, three of them seriously. The dramatic footage captured by body cameras during the engagement showed the moment when fire was opened on the reserve forces of Battalion 55. start of the soldiers noted, “There are enemies who want to harm the rear of the State of Israel.”
Israeli defense officials stated that the incident demonstrated the necessity of preventing hostile forces from establishing positions near its borders, emphasizing that the situation in Syria remains unstable.
Regional and International Reactions
In the broader Arab and Muslim world, there continues to be widespread condemnation of Israel’s military operations in southern Syria. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry asserted that Israeli attacks violate Syria’s sovereignty, endanger civilians and threaten regional stability. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, calling for international intervention in response to what it described as an “escalating violation of Syrian sovereignty.”
The Syrian Foreign Ministry characterized Israel’s military actions as “criminal attacks,” labeling them as war crimes, claiming that over ten civilians died in the strike. Syria demanded immediate international intervention from the UN Security Council and the Arab League to halt Israeli attacks.
Conclusion
As tensions escalate along the Israeli-Syrian border, the IDF remains vigilant, with military operations intended to counteract terrorist threats from Syria. The recent battle serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing complexities in the region and the pressing need for diplomatic resolutions.
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