Israel destroyed Syrian military aircraft, warships, and weapons facilities to stop rebel groups from using them after the fall of the Assad regime.

Israeli leaders are broadcasting optimism about the fall of Assad, a brutal dictator and key Iranian ally, while girding themselves for the ascension of the jihadist-linked group that toppled him.

Syria’s new de facto authorities are led by a Sunni Islamist group with extremist origins, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and represent a dangerous unknown. And as the coalition of opposition fighters seeks to solidify its hold on the country,

While Syria celebrates overthrowing its longtime dictator, it is also being subjected to a new ground incursion and a wave of airstrikes from its neighbor Israel that drew growing international condemnation and concern Tuesday.