The Facts
Syria's military reported Israeli airstrikes that targeted the city of Homs on Sunday, which led to Syrian air defenses being engaged and a Syrian missile exploding within Israeli territory — prompting another round of Israeli strikes.
While the air strikes did not lead to any casualties, Syria's state news agency claimed that the attack caused material damage despite Syrian air defenses allegedly intercepting most of the Israeli missiles.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The firing of the anti-aircraft missile is not the first instance of wild behavior by Syria. Despite relying on older munitions acquired from Russia, the missiles pose a credible danger beyond their alleged use in self-defense. Examples from this weekend, 2017, 2019, and 2020 highlight the threat that Syria's ad hoc use of such weaponry poses for the entire region.
Anti-Israel narrative
It is time for Israel to receive a wake-up call. Scolding and condemnation of the country by Western authorities eager to maintain positive relations are simply not enough. The authorities in Israel continue to act provocatively, using only force and violence to achieve their goals. The world must wake up to this reality.
