Has the next war begun? Assad faces escalating pressure from Israel

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was delivering his statement to the media on Tuesday, announcing that he would bring a ceasefire agreement on the Lebanese border to the Cabinet for approval this evening, he referred to the other fronts and sent a message to Syrian president President Bashar al-Assad.

"Assad must understand – he is playing with fire," Netanyahu declared, referencing recent reports of intensified Israeli strikes in Syria. These operations, reportedly aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s logistical networks in Syrian territory, have seen an unprecedented escalation.

In one blog post analyzing the strikes, it was noted: "The recent attacks are characterized by exceptional intensity and are aimed at causing significant damage to Syria's air defense systems and military infrastructure." Netanyahu’s statement signals Israel’s intent to escalate pressure on Assad’s regime while working to secure calm along the Lebanese border.

* Maariv contributed to this article.