IDF said mulling expanded op in Syria if it finds Sharaa’s forces fired on troops

The military is considering an expanded operation in southern Syria if it finds that Syrian government forces fired on soldiers during an arrest operation in Beit Jinn, Channel 13 says in an unsourced report.

According to Channel 13, if it is discovered that forces under Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa took part in the gun battle, the Israel Defense Forces will launch airstrikes to eliminate targets, and conduct fewer arrest operations.

The Kan public broadcaster reports that Israel has already identified that some of those planning attacks against IDF soldiers and the Druze community in Syria are a part of Sharaa’s intelligence forces.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, troops came under fire after they detained two members of the al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group) terror organization, acting on intelligence information collected in recent weeks indicating that they were planning attacks on Israel.

The military said the troops returned fire, and the Israeli Air Force also provided support with strikes from helicopters and drones. Fighter jets also conducted several strikes on predetermined targets, the IDF said.

Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.