After remaining a spectator to the Syrian conflict for a year and a half, Israeli forces fired "direct hits" on Syrian artillery in Golan Heights Monday, Reuters reports. It marks the first direct Israeli hit to Syrian territory since 1973’s Arab-Israeli War, and the second time Israel has fired shots across the border in as many days. A warning shot was fired Sunday in response to a mortar shell targeting an Israeli army outpost.

(READ MORE: Israel Fires Warning Shot Into Syria)

While a serious development for the two nations, it likely won’t mark a shift in Israel’s policy towards the warring nation. In recent weeks, Syrian tanks have entered the United Nations’ demilitarized zone and mortar fire has come close to an Israeli kibbutz. But Israel has remained an observer, choosing to file complaints with the United Nations rather than return fire. 

Though Israel will continue to support the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, it’s doubtful that the country would join Syrian opposition groups, fearing that some are Islamist radicals who might destabilize the border. 

“Israel would like to stay out. There is nothing we can gain from being involved,’’ says Shlomo Brom, a fellow at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies and a former military strategic planning chief. “What is happening on the border is the beginnings of a chaotic situation. If Syria was in full control of the border territory, [the fire] wouldn’t happen.’’ (Christian Science Monitor)

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged the two states to cease fire.

Shooting across Syria into Israeli-occupied Golan is not the only case of violence spillover, leaving neighbors Turkey and Lebanon also worried their borders will be breached. A Syrian jet bombed a village held by rebels just yards from the Turkish border, prompting Turkish officials to take steps to strengthen defenses on its southern border. Between 12 and 16 people died in the bombing, which did not appear to cross the Turkish frontier.

(READ MORE: Syrian National Council Oposes Joining Umbrella Organization) 

The Israeli fire come in the wake of Syrian opposition factions agreeing Sunday to unite under the National Coalition Forces of the Syrian Revolution with the goal of cracking down on President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. They said that there would be no dialogue with the current government and they will only accept a total overthrow.

The agreement, decided in Qatar, took days to reach as pressure from Western and Arab forces mounted. Backers for the opposition hope the united front will serve to attract ethnic and religious minority groups who have felt alienated by the opposition.

Read Neon Tommy’s coverage of the Syrian Conflict here.

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