JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will prevent the newly formed Syrian army and insurgent groups that played a role in the removal of former President Bashar Assad from advancing into the regions south of Damascus. During a military graduation ceremony on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli military presence in parts of southern Syria would continue indefinitely.
The Prime Minister’s remarks have heightened concerns regarding Israel’s influence and activities in southern Syria as the new Syrian leadership tries to solidify its power following years of conflict. “We will not permit HTS forces or the new Syrian army from entering areas south of Damascus,” Netanyahu stated, identifying Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a significant former rebel faction.
He further insisted on a complete demilitarization of southern Syrian provinces, specifically Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, from the new regime’s forces. He also underscored Israel’s commitment to safeguarding the Druze community located in southern Syria, indicating that any threats against them would be addressed strongly.
Currently, there has been no response from the Syrian government regarding Netanyahu’s statements. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz elaborated that Israeli troops would maintain their positions at the summit of Mt. Hermon in southern Syria, as well as in a designated buffer zone for an unspecified duration, aimed at defending local communities and mitigating any potential threats.
Katz noted the establishment of two Israeli military posts on Mt. Hermon and an additional seven within the buffer zone, all designed to enhance defenses and prepare for any challenges that may arise. Following Assad’s fall in December, Israel took control of the United Nations-observed buffer zone, which was originally established under a ceasefire agreement in 1974. Both Syria’s new government and UN officials have requested Israel to withdraw from this territory.
Amidst these tensions, Netanyahu’s administration faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens living in border regions to the north. Katz affirmed that Israel intends to fortify relationships with sympathetic populations in the area, particularly with the Druze, who inhabit both southern Syria and Israel’s Golan Heights, where they balance their historical Syrian identity with their current Israeli governance.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to not allow any hostile entities to establish a foothold within the security zone extending between southern Syria and Damascus, promising decisive action against any threatening developments.
