Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that his country will not allow Syrian forces, including the new army and insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to enter the area south of Damascus. This stance comes as Damascus’ new leaders attempt to consolidate control after years of civil war.
Netanyahu’s comments, made during a military graduation ceremony, have raised concerns over Israel’s presence in southern Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Israeli forces will remain on Mt. Hermon and in a buffer zone “for an indefinite period” to protect local communities and prevent threats.
The move is seen as part of efforts to maintain stability in the region while protecting Israelis living near border areas, particularly the Druze community, who live in both southern Syria and Israel’s Golan Heights. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not tolerate any threat to this minority group.
The U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory was seized by Israel after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December. Despite calls from Syria’s new authorities and U.N. officials for Israel to withdraw, Jerusalem remains committed to maintaining its presence in the region.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-buffer-zone-military-netanyahu-6a107f835d4262b56551ad940a5144d7