The White House signaled today that it approves Israeli attacks on Syrian army targets, as well as the takeover of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, writes N1. 

"These are operations to eliminate what is believed to be an immediate threat to their national security," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said today, adding that the United States would allow the Israelis to discuss the details of their operations.

"They always have the right to defend themselves," Kirby said. He declined to reveal details and US intelligence cooperation with Israel regarding the attacks.

Kirby said the White House reaffirmed support for the 1974 Golan Heights separation agreement, but did not criticize Israel's takeover of the demilitarized zone.

Israel has long occupied the territory during wars with its neighbors and keeps it under occupation indefinitely, citing concerns for its own security.

The Israeli army captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later annexed it, which was not recognized by the international community except the United States.

Israel launched a series of fierce attacks across Syria today as troops advanced deeper into the country, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, and Israel's defense minister confirmed that Israeli forces had destroyed the Syrian navy.

Israel has said it is advancing into a buffer zone in Syria since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, but it is unclear how far troops have gone beyond the area established more than 50 years ago.

Israel has denied that its troops are advancing on Damascus, the Syrian capital.