Israel’s endless war next door

August 19, 2026

Israel’s latest airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria must be condemned. The attack, which reportedly damaged the runway and other infrastructure but caused no casualties, is another troubling example of military action against a neighbouring country without a clear and immediate provocation.

Syria has strongly rejected the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has warned that repeated Israeli attacks are increasing instability in a region that has already suffered years of war and destruction.

The bigger question is simple: why does the world remain so silent?

If the same attack had been carried out by another country, there would almost certainly be strong international statements, demands for restraint and calls for accountability. Yet when Israel carries out military operations inside Syria, international condemnation often appears limited or carefully worded.

This double standard damages the credibility of the international system.

Israel says its military operations in Syria are linked to security threats, Iranian forces, weapons transfers and other concerns. But security concerns cannot provide an unlimited licence to attack another sovereign state. Every country has security concerns. International law exists precisely to prevent powerful states from deciding unilaterally when they can use force.

The timing is particularly disturbing because Syria is still trying to recover from years of conflict and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government. The country needs stability, reconstruction and political dialogue. It does not need repeated foreign military strikes.

There is also a wider political question that the international community should not avoid. A new political order has emerged in Damascus, and Western governments have shown a willingness to engage with and support the new authorities. The United States’ expression of concern is welcome, but concern alone is not enough. Washington and other major powers should make clear that Syria cannot become an open field for military operations.

Peace cannot be built through endless attacks on neighbours. If Israel genuinely wants long-term security, it must also learn to live with its neighbours through diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and political dialogue.

The world should apply one standard to all states: no country should be above international law.