Israel: Syrian surface-to-air missile detonates off coast of Tel Aviv, early Sept. 3; no damage or casualties reported /update 1

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a wayward Syrian-launched surface-to-air missile detonated off the coast of Tel Aviv early Sept. 3. No material damage or casualties were reported. The incident occurred shortly after Syrian air defenses responded to suspected Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of Damascus early Sept. 3. The IDF has yet to comment on the reported airstrikes; however, it has regularly targeted military sites belonging to Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed fighters throughout the country.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened readiness level in the coming days. Further retaliatory strikes or exchanges of cross-border fire are possible.

Context

Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns over the presence of Iranian proxies in Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iranian-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched hundreds of preemptive strikes in Syria, targeting suspected Hizballah and Iranian-backed fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys.

Advice

Exercise caution and avoid all military sites. Heed the instructions of local security forces. If airstrikes, artillery fire, or warning sirens are reported in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter until given further instructions by authorities.