Israeli ground forces cross into Syria, officials say

Israeli ground forces have entered Syrian territory beyond the demilitarized zone on the Israel-Syria border for the first time since 1973, according to unnamed officials.

This deployment follows a successful push by armed opposition groups against President Bashar al-Assad. Israeli troops took control of Mount Hermon and other strategic locations. Military Chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi confirmed the deployment, indicating a significant shift in policy. Israel has also conducted air strikes on Syrian military assets, including chemical weapons stockpiles, to prevent them from falling into rebel hands. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the troops were ordered to “take over the buffer zone” to prevent hostile forces near Israel’s border. A curfew has been imposed in five nearby Syrian villages.