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JERUSALEM (AP) — In a recent military graduation ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will prevent any new Syrian military forces or the insurgent group linked to the ousting of former President Bashar Assad from entering areas south of Damascus. Netanyahu emphasized his government’s intent to maintain an Israeli military presence in southern Syria for an indefinite duration.
These statements have raised fresh concerns regarding Israel’s influence and military operations in southern Syria, particularly as the leadership in Damascus attempts to stabilize control after years of civil conflict. “We will not permit HTS forces or the new Syrian army to enter areas south of Damascus,” Netanyahu stated, referring specifically to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the predominant former rebel group.
Moreover, Netanyahu insisted on the necessary demilitarization of southern Syrian provinces like Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, demanding the removal of any threats to the Druze community residing in southern Syria.
At the time, there was no immediate comment from the Syrian government regarding these assertions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz supported Netanyahu’s remarks, affirming that Israeli forces would continue their operations from key strategic points, including the peak of Mt. Hermon and other locations within a designated buffer zone. Katz described this military posture as essential for safeguarding Israeli communities and countering potential threats.
Since the fall of Assad’s regime in December, Israel has asserted control over a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria, originally established through a ceasefire agreement in 1974. Calls for Israeli withdrawal have been made by both Syria’s new authorities and U.N. officials.
Amidst these tensions, Netanyahu’s administration faces ongoing pressure to ensure the safety of Israeli inhabitants in border regions, particularly in the north. Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to nurturing relationships with local communities, especially the Druze, who straddling both southern Syria and Israeli-held Golan Heights. The Druze identity has traditionally been linked to Syria, yet they now live under Israeli governance.
“We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria,” asserted Netanyahu, linking this to a broader commitment to thwart any hostile presences and activities within the security zone between Israel and Damascus. Katz underscored that Israeli forces would undertake necessary actions against any perceived threats in the region.
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