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Assad granted asylum in Moscow, Russian media reports | Assad's fall could advance hostage deal, PM Netanyahu tells hostage families | Iranian embassy staff flee Syria

 
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21:00 - Assad and family fled to Moscow, Kremlin source tells Russian media

Bashar al-Assad and his family were granted political asylum upon their arrival in Moscow, a source in the Kremlin told the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.

20:46 - Netanyahu tells hostage families: Fall of Assad could advance hostage deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told groups of hostage families that the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria could "help advance a deal to bring back the hostages.”

Netanyahu met with two separate groups of hostage families, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and the Tikva Forum, in Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with hostage families, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

19:42 - IDF reiterates troops are deployed along Golan front, continues to strengthen new border barrier

The Israeli military reiterated that its troops that its troops "on the ground and in the air are deployed on the Golan front," and all defense units on the home front are mobilized.

Troops of the 474th Golan Brigade are operating along the border to collect intelligence on the dynamic situation in Syria and to defend the Israeli citizens on the Golan Heights, the IDF added.

In addition, the army said it continues to build the new border barrier it dubbed "New East."

19:29 - Former DM Gallant: Fall of murderous Syrian regime benefits Israel despite risks

Yoav Gallant, who was Israel's defense minister until several weeks, said that the fall of the Syrian regime again showed the strength of the state of Israel.

In a post on X, Gallant wrote: "The fall of Assad's murderous regime in Syria benefits the State of Israel despite the inherent risks - it will bring about the collapse of the ring of fire and terror that Iran tried to build around Israel."

"The latest moves in Syria were caused by the series of strikes led by the security establishment against Hezbollah and Iran, primarily the destruction of the missile array, the elimination of Nasrallah and the chain of command and the elimination of the terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, followed by the surprising, precise and deadly strike against Iran."

"Exactly 14 months after the low point we reached, the supremacy and strength of the State of Israel is again clearly evident throughout the Middle East. I'm proud and confident in the IDF soldiers and commanders, who deserve all praise and appreciation for their determined action in the 'Seven Fronts' war."

17:15 - 'Stay home!' - IDF issues rare warning to Syrian villages near the Israel border

IDF Arabic Spokesman Avichai Adraee issued a rare warning to residents of several villages telling them to "stay home."

"An urgent warning to the residents of southern Syria in the following villages and towns: Ofaniya, Quneitra, Al-Hamidiyah, Western Samadanism, and Qahtaini. The fighting inside your area is forcing the IDF to act but we do not intend to harm you. For your safety, you must stay at home and not go out until further notice," the statement said.

16:51 - US Under Secretary Bass travels to Jordan to discuss efforts at de-escalation

Under Secretary of State John Bass will travel to Amman, Jordan, December 9-10 and meet with senior Jordanian government officials to discuss a range of bilateral issues and efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts, the U.S. State Department announced.

Under Secretary Bass will underscore the strength of the U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership, 75 years of diplomatic relations, discuss an upcoming $845.1 million cash transfer from the United States to support the people of Jordan, and express appreciation for Jordan's continued leadership in providing lifesaving aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through the Jordan Corridor, the State Department said.

According to the announcement, discussions will also focus on "the importance of stability in the West Bank and the need to chart a path forward to the creation of a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel." Under Secretary Bass is also expected discuss the situation in Syria and the need for a Syrian-led political solution.

16:48 - FM Sa'ar calls to postpone Netanyahu testimony due to Syria developments

In a letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that testimony in the criminal trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be postponed, saying Netanyahu's request to do so is “reasonable” in light of recent developments in Syria.

“As someone who sits in cabinet meetings, you are familiar with the security situation, including the recent dramatic developments in Syria,” Sa’ar wrote.

“At this time, a heavy responsibility rests on the government and even more so on the prime minister. The state’s interest is to take this into account and allow optimal functioning for the good of the state and its security.”

Netanyahu is due to delivery his personal testimony on the stand Tuesday, after the Jerusalem District Court rejected his request to testify for only two days a week instead of three, in light of the ongoing conflicts.

16:37 - IDF captures Syrian side of Mount Hermon

Following statements by the IDF earlier today, in which it said it would deploy forces to the buffer zone between Israel and Syria, which also includes the Mount Hermon area, the IDF announced that the Syrian side of Mount Hermon was captured by the Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag Unit.

The troops did not face any resistance during the operation as Syrian army troops fled their post before the IDF's operation.

The mountain range is divided between Israel, Syria and Lebanon, with the highest part lying in Syrian territory.

15:25 - President of Yemen praises fall of Syria's Assad

The President of the Internationally recognized government of Yemen [opposed to the Houthi rebel group], Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, wrote a message to X, praising the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

"On behalf of myself and the members of the Presidential Leadership Council, the government and the Yemeni people, we congratulate the great Syrian people on the occasion of their brotherly country’s free return to its Arab fold, and its constructive presence in the regional and international community," Al-Alimi wrote.

"It is a historic moment, in which the Syrian people affirmed their right to reject foreign guardianship," he continued. "It is time for the Iranian regime to lift its hand from Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity, and enable its people to build their state and create the better future they all deserve."

14:35 - Reports of additional IDF strikes in Damascus area

Voice of the Capital, The Syrian opposition-aligned news site, reported additional Israeli attacks in the area around Damascus. The news site also reported that the Israeli military is organizing a range of targets to be destroyed in the coming hours. Strikes were reported at Al-Mezzeh Airport, regime Republican Guard posts, and an attack against the 4th Division of the Syrian Army (Assad forces) in the Qasioun area.

14:30 - Lebanese army reinforcing border crossings with Syria

According to a report from Lebanese network MTV, "the Lebanese army is opening the al-Zamrani and Matraba crossings in order to allow the Syrians to return easily to Syria."

Reuters reported that the Lebanese army is increasing its forces stationed on the country's northern and eastern borders, after the fall of Assad's regime.

14:27 - Benny Gantz calls Iran a 'broken reed' cites need for increased pressure

In a reference to Isaiah 36:6, in which the prophet calls Egypt a "broken reed", National Unity head Benny Gantz visited the Golan Heights and the Syrian border together with Uri Kellner, head of the Golan Regional Council, where called Iran a broken reed.

"We are on a day of strategic turning point in the entire Middle East with the fall of the Assad regime," Gantz said. "We need to strengthen the defense of the settlements in the Golan Heights and the buffer zone, and we have to look at the Syrian side. Iran is a broken reed, Hezbollah has been hit hard, and its influence has weakened in both Lebanon and Syria. The pressure on it must continue, and the local elements in both Syria and Lebanon must be freed from the Iranian yoke."

13:20 - Syrian sources report Israeli airstrike at Damascus military airport

The Voice of the Capital, a Syrian opposition-affiliated news website, reported an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Mezzeh military airport in Damascus. There were also reports of Israeli strikes in the rural areas of Daraa and al-Suwayda in southern Syria.

"Israel is systematically destroying all brigades and battalions of the former regime in southern Syria, directly attacking all air defense systems, missile depots, and development and production institutes wherever they participated, manufactured, or developed weapons that could threaten Israel," the statement said.

13:05 - Interior minister announces citizenship for mother and brother of Black Hebrew Israelite soldier killed in Gaza

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel approved granting Israeli citizenship to the mother and brother of armored soldier Elishai Young, who fell in battle in Jabalia last October. Young is the first member of the Black Hebrew Israelite community from Dimona to fall in combat. Along with his mother and brother, he lived in Israel as a permanent resident. Arbel said, "Elishai Young, who gave his life for the country, is a hero. Acknowledging His sacrifice is part of our moral duties. Granting citizenship to his mother and brother is a necessary step. The family is part of us and always will be."

According to the minister's decision, they will receive citizenship without having to give up their American citizenship.

11:50 - Reports that Assad's plane disappeared from radar after leaving Syrian airspace

Reuters reported, based on two Syrian sources that "there is a very high probability that Bashar Assad was killed in a plane crash." According to the sources, "Assad's plane took off from Damascus towards the coast, and suddenly made a U-turn and flew south, a few minutes before disappearing from the radar. It's a mystery." According to the Reuters report, the plane on which Assad is believed to have fled disappeared from the data maps of the website Flightradar, which monitors the air movements of aircraft around the world.

The plane initially flew towards the Syrian coastal region, a historic stronghold of the Alawite community to which Assad's family belongs. The plane suddenly made a U-turn and flew in the opposite direction for several minutes before disappearing from the flight tracking map.

11:22 - Israel announces schools in Druze areas of Golan Heights will hold online classes

The IDF announced this morning that schools in Druze communities near the border of Syria will hold online educational activities today.

"In accordance with the situational assessment in the Northern Command, it was determined that schools will carry out educational activity online in four Druze communities in the northern Golan Heights (Buq'ata, Ein Qiniye, Mas'ade, and Majdal Shams)," the announcement stated. "Kindergartens will continue educational activity as usual. Educational activity in the rest of the Golan Heights remains unchanged."

10:05 - Hamas says discussing developments in Gaza with Turkey and Qatar

A senior Hamas official told the Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed that the Hamas leadership has held several meetings with officials from Qatar and Turkey to discuss "developments regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip." The official also said a meeting between the Hamas and Egyptian officials will take place today to discuss talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

09:45 - SOHR reports Iranian officials & militias have fled to Iraq

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told the Saudi television network Al-Arabiya that Bashar al-Assad's brother, Maher Assad, is expected to leave the country soon. He is currently staying in a coastal region where rebels have not entered. SOHR also reported that "Iranian officials have completely withdrawn from the country. All the pro-Iranian militias have withdrawn to Iraq."

09:15 - Netanyahu to meet with hostage families today

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet today with representatives of hostage families, according to reports in Hebrew media. The announcement came after representatives from the Hostage Families Forum sent two public letters to Netanyahu, asking him to meet with him and Cabinet members. Netanyahu last met with representatives of hostage families before his speech to the U.S. Congress in July.

Yesterday, Hamas released a video of hostage Matan Zangauker, who has been held captive for 429 days.

08:44 - IDF says monitoring events in Syria, will not interfere

The IDF released a statement saying it "has deployed forces" in northern Israel to ensure safety. However, the military said "the IDF is not interfering with the internal events in Syria."

08:40 - Diaspora Affairs Minister says Israel should take control of Hermon

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli called for Israel to strengthen its northern defenses this morning, saying, "The events in Syria are far from a cause for celebration. Despite the rebranding of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its leader, the bottom line is that most of Syria is now under the control of al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates. The good news is the strengthening of the Kurds and the expansion of their control in the northeast of the country. Operationally, Israel must renew its control over Mount Hermon and stabilize a new line of defense based on the 1974 cease-fire line, and the jihadists must not be allowed to entrench themselves near our communities."

07:58 - Rebels broadcast message of victory on Syrian state TV

Syrian rebels issued their first statement on Syrian state television, saying that they had "liberated Damascus and overthrown the Assad regime." They also announced that "all prisoners have been released," after previously liberating the Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus.

The translation of the announcement:

O free sons of Syria,

After many years of injustice, tyranny and oppression, and after great sacrifices made by the sons and daughters of this dear homeland, we announce today to the great Syrian people and to the whole world that the regime of Bashar al-Assad has fallen, and that it has fled the country, leaving behind a legacy of destruction and suffering.

On this historic day, we declare that the forces of revolution and opposition have taken over the reins of our beloved Syria, and we affirm our commitment to building a free, just and democratic state, in which all citizens are equal without discrimination.

We pledge before God and before the people the following:

1. Preserving the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory.

2. Protect all citizens and their property, regardless of their affiliations.

3. Work to rebuild the state and its institutions on the foundations of freedom and justice.

4. Strive for comprehensive national reconciliation and return refugees and displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity.

5. Hold accountable all those who have committed crimes against the Syrian people, in accordance with the law and justice.

We call on all the Syrian people to unite and unite at this historic stage, and we affirm that the new Syria will not be the monopoly of anyone, but rather a homeland for all.

07:37 - Iranian embassy staff flee Syria after fall of Assad regime

Saudi television network Al-Arabiya reported that representatives of the Iranian embassy in Damascus are fleeing Syria following the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Assad received significant support from Iran during the Syrian civil war.

07:05 - IDF Northern Command raises alert level after fall of Damascus

The IDF Northern Command raised the alert level following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria while also activating emergency plans to strengthen defenses in the Golan Heights in the event of an attempt to invade Israel by armed groups in the area.

06:20 - Rebels proclaim Damascus 'free of Assad', Prime Minister says ready to support new government

Following the announcement of the overthrow of the Assad regime, the Syrian opposition declared "Damascus is liberated from Bashar Assad. We are telling the displaced people all over the world that a free Syria is waiting for you."

At the same time, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali released a statement declaring he has no intention of leaving. "I hope that everyone will act rationally, I am ready to support the continued management of the affairs of the state," al-Jalali said. "We extend a hand to every Syrian citizen who wants to preserve the country's capabilities and believe that Syria is for all Syrians," he said.

06:09 - Syrian rebels claim to have liberated Damascus

Anti-Assad opposition forces in Syria claim to have freed the capital city of Damascus after taking key points in the city, including the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison just north of Damascus.

The rebel groups claim that Bashar al-Assad had already fled the city ahead of their arrival.

05:51 - Syrian army forces told that the regime has collapsed

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Syrian Army commanders have informed soldiers under their command that the regime has collapsed following the escape of President Bashar al-Assad and the taking of most of Damascus. SOHR reported that "hundreds of regime forces were seen in the capital Damascus taking off their military uniforms and wearing civilian clothes, and they were told that you are demobilized, as the regime has fallen in Syria."

05:21 - Reports that Assad's plane 'disappeared from radar'

Ynet news reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's plane had "disappeared from radar" and may have crashed.

04:09 - Rebels report they have entered Damascus, Assad has fled

The Syrian rebels announced that they have begun to clear the capital Damascus, and that they had released prisoners from the Saydnaya military prison on the northern outskirts of the city. Rebel sources told Reuters news agency that there did not appear to be any significant Syrian army presence in the city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based opposition group to the Assad regime, reported that the Syrian army and security forces in the country had withdrawn from Damascus International Airport following the rebel advance. The organization also reported that President Bashar al-Assad fled the country in his private jet.

Two senior Syrian officers told Reuters that Assad had left Damascus for an unknown destination.

03:20 - Reports of gunfire in Damascus as rebels advance on city

As Syrian rebel groups continue their attacks against Assad regime forces, heavy gunfire was reported in the Syrian capital of Damascus, Reuters reported, based on testimonies from residents of the city. Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse reported that Hezbollah is withdrawing all its forces from Homs and the Damascus area.

02:50 - Hezbollah forces in Syria abandon city of al-Qusayr ahead of rebel advance

Syrian military sources told Reuters that Hezbollah forces withdrew from the city of al-Qusayr in the western province of Homs, shortly before the rebels to the Assad regime took control of it. The sources also claimed that the IDF had attacked one Hezbollah convoy leaving the city. At least 150 armored vehicles carrying Hezbollah fighters left the city in stages. Al-Qusayr has been a key location for the transfer of Iranian-supplied weapons into Lebanon, as well as a major entry and exit point for Hezbollah members between Syria and Lebanon. Hezbollah took control of al-Qusayr in 2013 in the early stages of the Syrian civil war.

01:47 - Reported Israeli strike on border of Syria-Lebanon

Hezbollah's Al-Manar network reported that the IDF struck the Al-Jusa crossing on the Lebanese-Syrian border. 

00:31 - Rebels claim complete control of Homs

The commander of the jihadist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, said that his forces had "completely liberated" Homs, Syria's third-largest city. He called on his fighters not to harm any of Assad's soldiers willing to surrender.

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