Israeli Fighter Jet Image by Getty Images

JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Syrian military accused Israel of firing on its positions near Damascus, calling it a “new Israeli aggression.”

“This morning, Israeli warplanes fired several missiles from Lebanese airspace on one of our military positions in the Damascus countryside,” Syria’s army said in a statement broadcast on state media. “Our air defense systems blocked them and destroyed most of them.”

The Al-Arabiya network, citing sources close to the Syrian government, reported that the target of the attack was the Center for Scientific Research in the Jamaraya region, located on the outskirts of the capital.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The Israeli military did not comment on reports of the attack, which is its standing policy. The Israeli military reportedly struck Syrian military targets twice during December and once during January, but typically did not confirm the reports. Israel reportedly has carried out dozens of airstrikes on Syria’s army and their allies since 2011.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Security Cabinet visited the Golan Heights and inspected Israel’s border there with Syria amid rising tensions between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon.

“We want peace but we are prepared for any scenario and I suggest that no one test us,” Netanyahu said in a statement at the end of the visit.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount