01 Dec 2023 | 12:36 AM UTC
Israel, Lebanon, Syria: Violence across the shared border region likely through December /update 7
Clashes likely to continue across the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border through December.
Fighting along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Syria will likely persist through December. There have been periodic reports of violence since Hamas launched attacks against military and civilian targets in southern Israel Oct. 7. The impacts in northern Israel are mainly near these shared borders. Israeli retaliatory fire has impacted sites across southern Lebanon; in Syria, cross-border fire and targeted Israeli airstrikes deep inside Syria have occurred. Additional Israeli military forces have deployed to the northern border. Lebanon-based militants have also reportedly deployed additional forces to the shared border with Israel.
Syria-Israel
Cross-border fire involving Israeli military and Syrian military forces is likely to occur periodically in the Golan Heights region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will also probably continue a campaign of targeting sites deeper within Syria. Damascus International Airport (DAM) and Aleppo International Airport (ALP) have remained out of service since Oct. 22 after Israeli strikes damaged both landing strips. Syrian officials have noted that Bassel al-Assad International Airport (LTK), which serves Latakia, is open for flights.
Lebanon-Israel
Cross-border fire involving Israeli military forces and Lebanon-based militants, including Iran-backed Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), will likely persist. As of Nov. 30, more than a hundred people have been killed and injured near the shared border in both countries since the outbreak of hostilities Oct. 7.
On Oct. 16, Israeli officials announced the activation of a plan to evacuate residents who live within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the shared border with Lebanon in northern Israel. The impacted communities include Reger, Dishon, Kfar Yuval, Margaliot, Metula, Avivim, Dobb, Ma'ayan Baruch, Baram, Manara, Yiftah, Malkiah, Meshgav Am, Yaraon, Dafna, Arab al Aramsha, Shlomi, Natua, Ya'ara, Shtula, Matat, Zerait, Shumera, Batzat, Adamit, Rosh Hankara, Kfar Giladi, and Hanita.
On Oct. 15, Israeli officials declared the shared border area with Lebanon a 'closed military zone.' Civilians cannot enter an area within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the shared border with Lebanon.
Disruptions
In the coming days, officials may announce further movement restrictions or evacuations in the Israel, Syria, or Lebanon border region. The movement of military personnel and checkpoints will also likely disrupt travel along primary and secondary road routes. Fighting could impact utilities, including power and water supply.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel near the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border until the situation stabilizes. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm the status of transport services before departure. Review and update contingency plans.
Tensions along Israel's northern borders with Lebanon and Syria have increased markedly since Oct. 7. The potential for escalation is high, possibly triggered by a successful and impactful militant infiltration into northern Israel, any significant increase in cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon or Syria into Israel, or Israeli military action targeting key sites in either Lebanon or Syria. Should escalation occur, Israeli military strikes could expand further into Lebanon against critical infrastructure and militant targets, including in the Beirut area. Israeli strikes could also escalate against Syrian military and infrastructure targets, including but not limited to military bases and airports.
