Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning regarding the presence of Syrian military forces in southern Syria, specifically south of Damascus. Speaking at a military ceremony in Israel on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized the need for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, particularly in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suweyda, following the recent changes in the Syrian government.
Netanyahu’s comments come in the wake of the fall of long-time Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, which has led to the emergence of new military factions, including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. He stated, “We will not allow forces from the HTS organization or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus,” highlighting Israel’s commitment to maintaining security in the region.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding the Druze community in southwestern Syria, who reside in the Golan Heights, a territory that Israel occupies. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not tolerate any threats to this minority group, which has historically opposed Israeli expansion in the region. Despite some Druze opposition, many in Israel’s Druze community support the Israeli state and serve in the military.
Israel has taken advantage of the power vacuum created by al-Assad’s downfall to extend its influence into a buffer zone between the Golan Heights and southern Syria, an action that has raised tensions and breached a United Nations agreement established in 1974, which called for the area to remain demilitarized.
The Golan Heights, which Israel occupies, consists of approximately two-thirds of the territory, with a UN-administered buffer zone covering around 400 square kilometers. Since the regime change in Syria, the Israeli military has increased its operations, conducting numerous airstrikes aimed at Syrian military targets, which Israel claims are linked to Iranian forces. However, Iran has denied any military presence in Syria, and the new Syrian government appears to be focused on stabilizing its own situation rather than engaging in conflict with Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli forces have established multiple posts on Mount Hermon and within the buffer zone, asserting that these positions will remain for an indefinite period to ensure the safety of Israeli communities and counter potential threats.
Netanyahu’s statements underscore Israel’s ongoing concerns about the shifting dynamics in Syria and its commitment to prevent hostile forces from gaining a foothold near its borders. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments as both Israel and Syria navigate this complex landscape.