Netanyahu announces Israeli troops will stay in Syria’s Demilitarized Buffer Zone

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that Israeli forces will remain in the demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, a territory captured by Israel following the recent ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Speaking from the summit of Mount Hermon, located inside the buffer zone and about 10 kilometers from the Israeli-held Golan Heights, Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli military would maintain its presence in the area for the foreseeable future to ensure the country’s security.

The move has raised international concerns, with critics accusing Israel of exploiting the instability in Syria for territorial gains. The United Nations, France, and several Arab nations have condemned Israel’s actions, asserting that the occupation of the 400-square-kilometer buffer zone violates the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria. The ceasefire, which established a demilitarized zone between the two nations, has effectively collapsed after Syrian forces abandoned their positions in the area earlier this month.

Netanyahu’s announcement marks a significant shift in Israeli policy. It is the first time an Israeli leader has publicly visited the buffer zone inside Syrian territory, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Accompanying Netanyahu was Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who instructed the military to establish fortifications in anticipation of a prolonged presence. Gallant described the Mount Hermon summit as Israel’s “eyes” for detecting potential threats, emphasizing its strategic importance in monitoring military activities in Syria and beyond.

Since Assad’s ouster in early December, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes inside Syria, targeting military installations, weapon caches, and Syrian air and naval forces. Netanyahu has consistently defended these operations, claiming they are necessary to protect Israeli security. While he insisted that Israel has “no interest in a conflict with Syria,” the bombing campaign has led to significant destruction in Syrian infrastructure and heightened tensions in the region.

The international community has expressed concern that Israel’s continued occupation of the buffer zone could further destabilize the already volatile situation in Syria and undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution to the civil war. However, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would stay in the area “until another arrangement is found that ensures Israel’s security.”

As the situation evolves, the presence of Israeli forces in Syria remains a contentious issue, with no clear end in sight to the ongoing conflict or Israel’s role in it.