The IDF struck military targets in southern Syria, including command centres and multiple sites containing weapons, over the past few hours,” the statement read.”The presence of military forces and assets in the southern part of Syria pose a threat to Israeli civilians. The IDF will continue to operate in order to remove any threat to Israelis.”Syrian authorities are yet to comment on the attacks.

It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he would not allow Syria’s new army, or the insurgent group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that ousted former President Bashar Assad, to enter the area south of Syria’s capital, Damascus.

His government also clarified that Israeli forces would remain in parts of southern Syria indefinitely.

Netanyahu’s remarks have raised fresh concerns about Israel’s presence and influence in southern Syria, as Damascus’ new leaders try to regain control after years of civil war.