The IDF bolstered its troop presence along the Golan Heights on Friday as rebel forces in Syria advance against the Assad regime, raising fears that the conflict could spill over into areas near Israel's border and threaten Israeli communities in the region.
The military confirmed airstrikes targeting the Al-Arida and Jousieh border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, which it said were being used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah. The strikes reportedly rendered both crossings inoperable, according to Lebanese media.
IDF bolsters troop deployment along the border with Syria
"This strike is another aspect in the IDF’s efforts to dismantle weapon-smuggling routes used by the Syrian regime in the Syrian-Lebanese border over the past few weeks," the military said in a statement.
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"These targeted strikes degrade the capabilities of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, responsible for smuggling weapons that are later used in terror attacks against Israelis and IDF troops."
The Al-Arida crossing links villages in Lebanon and Syria near Tartus, a region increasingly vulnerable as rebel forces advance southward toward Homs. The Jousieh crossing, near Homs itself, lies in a critical area now under threat of falling to rebel control.
These border crossings have been targeted by the IDF in previous strikes aimed at cutting Hezbollah’s supply chains. Although repairs were quickly undertaken to reopen the routes, the continued fighting and refugee movements near Homs present new challenges. Analysts warn that terror groups could exploit the chaos to smuggle weapons and funds under the cover of conflict.