In a contentious move, Israel has expanded its presence in the UN-administered buffer zone between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and southern Syria. The buffer zone, a narrow area spanning 400 square kilometres, was established by a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria in 1974. This expansion has drawn criticism for breaching the United Nations agreement and has heightened regional tensions.
Israel occupies approximately two-thirds of the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory that it has held since 1967. The region is home to the Druze community, a religious minority with populations across several Middle Eastern countries. Despite the occupation, the majority of the Druze population in Israel supports the state, with men conscripted into military service. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have set up two posts on Syria’s Mount Hermon and seven others within the buffer zone.
The Israeli government has justified its ongoing military actions in Syria by stating that they are targeting Iranian military threats. However, Iran maintains that none of its forces are currently stationed in Syria. Since the fall of the al-Assad regime last December, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes against Syrian military assets, capitalizing on the political vacuum to extend its reach into the buffer zone.
The new Syrian government has expressed no inclination to engage in hostilities with Israel. Nevertheless, Israeli officials remain firm in their stance against any military presence south of Damascus. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly stated:
"We will not allow forces from the HTS organisation or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus." – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu further emphasized Israel's commitment to ensuring security in southern Syria by advocating for the removal of military forces from key provinces:
"full demilitarisation of southern Syria from troops of the new Syrian regime in the Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda provinces" – Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel's strategic actions aim to secure its borders and protect its communities:
"for an indefinite period to protect our communities and thwart any threat" – Benjamin Netanyahu
Despite these assertions, Israel's expansion into the buffer zone raises concerns about potential violations of international agreements and further instability in the region. The situation remains tense as both countries navigate complex geopolitical landscapes.
