It should be recalled that Israeli planes have regularly attacked concentrations of Iranian or Iranian-backed militia groups in Syria … even before the Hamas terror attack from Gaza, as has the U.S. somewhat less frequently. Also, the horrendous many-sided 12-year Syrian Civil War left the country utterly shattered, with many millions of internal and external refugees and emigrants, many being sheltered in Turkey or in refuges camps in the North.
The human dimensions of this crisis can hardly be conceived by ordinary Americans. Assad is gradually being re-accepted by other Arab countries that once, with the U.S., tried to overthrow his government. About 20% of the country is still not under Assad’s control, but all the main population centers are.
Syria does not seek war with Israel now. Indeed, it’s capital Damascus — not at all far from tiny Israel — is very vulnerable to Israeli pinpoint “punishment” or “warning” air attacks, of which there have been several.