Syrian rebels are advancing toward the major city of Hama, putting pressure on President Bashar Assad and his allies. The rebels have captured villages near the city, while government forces have received reinforcements. The potential attack on Hama would further escalate the conflict and pose a threat to Assad's regime. In addition, a US-backed Kurdish-led coalition has battled government forces in the northeast, opening a new front along a vital supply route. The Israeli military is concerned that chemical weapons could fall into the wrong hands during the rebel takeover of military sites belonging to the Assad regime.