Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a firm stance against Syrian military activity near Damascus, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to regional security. Syrian forces and the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) will be barred from operating south of the capital, according to Netanyahu’s recent address at a military ceremony.
The announcement underscores Israel’s intent to maintain control over strategic areas in southern Syria, including the buffer zone near Mt. Hermon. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the establishment of nine military posts in the region, stating,
We will remain in these positions indefinitely to protect our communities and neutralize threats.
Netanyahu’s demands include:
- Complete demilitarization of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda provinces
- Protection for the Druze community in southern Syria
- Prevention of hostile forces near Israel’s Golan Heights
Syria’s new government and UN officials continue to pressure Israel to withdraw from territories seized after Bashar Assad’s ouster. The disputed buffer zone, established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement, remains a flashpoint in ongoing Israeli-Syrian tensions.
Analysts highlight the strategic importance of Mt. Hermon, which provides surveillance capabilities across three nations. Israel’s expanded presence reflects growing concerns over Iranian-backed militias and HTS remnants in postwar Syria.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s obligation to safeguard border communities, while Katz emphasized strengthening ties with the Druze—a religious minority navigating complex loyalties across Syrian and Israeli territories. We will act decisively against any threat, Katz warned, signaling Israel’s readiness for prolonged engagement in southern Syria.
