In the wake of Bashar al-Assad's removal, Israel has intensified its military presence in the Golan Heights, citing security concerns over potential attacks from hostile groups.

Israeli airstrikes have targeted key military sites, including air defense systems and missile depots, as part of ongoing operations since Assad's ousting.

Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels to discuss strategies for stabilizing Syria and facilitating the return of Syrian refugees living in Europe.

The discussions on December 16, 2024, focused on how the EU can provide aid for Syria's reconstruction and support the repatriation of refugees.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to disarm all militias in Syria, emphasizing the importance of reconstruction and housing for displaced persons.

In a related humanitarian effort, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans for food aid to Syria, discussing logistics to support the affected population.

In response to Israel's actions, Saudi Arabia condemned the expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights, calling it a violation of international law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Israel does not seek conflict with Syria, while remaining vigilant against threats.

Netanyahu also revealed a plan to invest over ten million euros to double the population in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War.

During the EU meeting, new foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concerns about the potential for sectarian violence and extremism in Syria.

The EU has had no prior contact with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the rebellion against Assad and remains under UN sanctions.

Additionally, the Israeli army has conducted significant airstrikes in Tartus, Syria, marking the heaviest military actions in the region since 2012.