Why Is Israel Bombing Syria? [Video]

As Bashar al-Assad’s government collapsed and Syrian rebels rose to power, Israel embarked on an extensive bombing campaign, purportedly aimed at disarming extremists who may rise to power during the unrest.

Oppositionist forces captured Damascus over the weekend, unseating the Assad regime after over 50 years in power and profoundly altering the political trajectory of the region and one of its most consequential powers.

Over the weekend and in the immediate aftermath of the uprising, Israel has reportedly launched hundreds of air strikes on targets across the country, including in the capital, according to security sources in Israel, Syria and Lebanon cited by various outlets.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday confirmed the strikes. Quoted by Reuters, he stated that the military would …