Israeli fighter jets conducted a rare and highly visible operation over southern and central Syria on Thursday, flying across key provinces including Daraa, Homs, Hama, and approaching Latakia near the Turkish border. The mission, focused on intelligence gathering and aerial reconnaissance, also served as a deliberate show of force amid stalled security talks with Damascus.

The operation followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit on Wednesday to an Israeli position in the UN-monitored buffer zone, which Syria quickly condemned as a violation of its sovereignty. Analysts note that the air patrols are part of Israel’s broader strategy to assert military dominance in post-Assad Syria, particularly as Turkish influence grows in northern regions.

Israeli officials framed the flights as essential for monitoring hostile actors, protecting Israel’s borders, and maintaining strategic awareness across volatile Syrian territories. The rare depth of the operation underscores Israel’s readiness to project power far beyond its immediate frontiers, while simultaneously signaling deterrence to both Damascus and external forces.

Observers view the flights as a demonstration of Israel’s air superiority and its capacity to respond to threats in real time. By combining Netanyahu’s high-profile ground visit with precise aerial missions, Israel is reinforcing its commitment to regional security, maintaining operational flexibility, and protecting its national interests in a complex and evolving Syrian theater.