Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has asserted that Israel will not allow the Syrian military to operate south of Damascus, demanding full demilitarization of southern Syria. He warned against the entry of new Syrian regime forces and emphasized the protection of the Druze community. Israel’s military actions, including airstrikes, and the occupation of portions of the Golan Heights complicate the dynamics further amidst evolving regional conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will prevent any military presence from the new Syrian government in southern Syria, particularly around Damascus. At a recent military ceremony, he called for the complete demilitarization of the southern regions of Syria, specifically Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, which are near Israeli-occupied territories.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not permit forces from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or the new Syrian army to enter areas south of Damascus. He expressed strong concerns for the Druze community in Syria, especially considering their location in the Golan Heights, which is occupied by Israel.
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last December, Israel has expanded its military operations, violating the 1974 United Nations brokered ceasefire agreement that aimed to establish a demilitarized buffer zone between Israel and Syria. Israel’s actions have included numerous airstrikes against Syrian military assets under the pretext of targeting Iranian forces.
Currently, Israeli forces maintain several posts in the Golan Heights and are expected to remain in these positions indefinitely to protect their communities and manage potential threats. The complicated political landscape in the region has resulted in various responses from the Druze community, where sentiments remain divided regarding Israeli policies.
In summary, Netanyahu’s declarations represent a firm stance against Syrian military activities in southern Syria while underscoring Israel’s strategic interests in the region. These dynamics are compounded by the historical context of Israeli-Syrian relations and ongoing military actions.
In conclusion, Israel’s military presence in southern Syria under Netanyahu’s directive points to a clear insistence on maintaining control over perceived threats in the region. The assertion of preventing Syrian military operations exemplifies Israel’s strategic objectives in response to regional developments, particularly following the Assad regime’s instability. This situation continues to shape complex interactions between various groups within both Israeli and Syrian territories.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
