Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued stern warnings to the newly formed Syrian leadership on Sunday. This marks the first direct confrontation between Israel and the Syrian administration after the fall of the previous Syrian regime. Netanyahu emphasized the need to maintain strict control over the southern regions of Syria, including the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida. This move highlights Israel's heightened security concerns regarding its northern borders.
Israel's Stance on Southern Syria In a speech to newly appointed military officers in Houlon, South Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stated that Israel would not tolerate the presence of Syrian military forces or groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in southern Syria. He stressed that Israel had taken measures to ensure the complete demilitarization of the southern region, which borders the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would prevent the Syrian army or any other armed groups from entering the area near Damascus, asserting that the safety of Israel and its citizens remained a top priority.
The Role of the Druze Population An important aspect of Netanyahu's speech was the protection of the Druze community in southern Syria. Israel has long maintained a cautious approach to protecting the Druze population in this region, who have often been caught in the crossfire between Syrian forces and various armed groups. Netanyahu's statement reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of Druze civilians, stressing that Israel would not tolerate any threats to their safety.
Israel’s Military Actions in Syria Since the downfall of the Syrian regime on December 8, 2024, Israel has escalated its military presence in Syria, particularly in areas along the Syrian-Israeli border. Reports indicate that Israel has quietly established a security zone within Syrian territory, with no fixed timeline for its withdrawal. Israel has also expanded its military operations in the Quneitra region, which borders the Golan Heights, and has been conducting airstrikes targeting weapon depots to prevent the arms from falling into the hands of hostile groups.
Israel's military operations, which have been ongoing for several years, focus on preventing Iranian-backed forces and other militias from gaining a foothold in Syria. Israel has expressed concerns over Iran’s growing influence in the region, particularly in southern Syria. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out numerous airstrikes against Hezbollah and Iranian targets in Syria to curb this influence.
Syria’s Response to Israeli Actions Syria has strongly condemned Israel's actions in the region. Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, who has taken a more diplomatic approach since the fall of the previous government, criticized Israel’s military incursions into Syrian territory. He called the Israeli actions a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law, stating that Israel’s behavior threatened to escalate tensions in the region unnecessarily.
Al-Shara also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian soil, reiterating Syria’s stance that the continued occupation of Syrian territories, including the Golan Heights, is unacceptable. The Syrian government has also sought international support for its efforts to regain control over these occupied territories.
International Perspectives and the United Nations The United Nations has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military presence in Syria, calling it a violation of international agreements and Syrian sovereignty. UN officials have urged Israel to withdraw its forces from Syrian territories and to respect the rights of the Syrian people. However, Israel maintains that its operations in Syria are defensive in nature, aimed at preventing further destabilization in the region.
The situation in Syria remains tense, with Israel continuing its military operations and Syria calling for an end to Israeli interventions. As the new Syrian administration seeks to rebuild and stabilize the country, the geopolitical landscape of the region will continue to evolve. Israel’s unwavering stance on protecting its borders and its citizens, coupled with Syria’s demand for the withdrawal of foreign forces, sets the stage for a complex and ongoing conflict.
For more information on the ongoing situation in Syria and Israel’s role, you can visit the Al Jazeera article or check out Erem News.
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