In a recent address during a military ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance regarding the presence of the Syrian military in southern Syria, particularly around the capital city of Damascus. Netanyahu emphasized the need for what he termed the “full demilitarisation” of this region, specifically in reference to the Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda provinces.
Netanyahu’s statements came in response to perceived threats from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the newly formed Syrian army, both of which have emerged in the context of ongoing changes within Syria. The Prime Minister asserted that Israel would not permit any military presence from these groups in the southern area, which he considers critical for national security. He also expressed strong support for the Druze community residing in southern Syria and the Golan Heights, which Israel occupies, underscoring Israel’s commitment to safeguarding their safety and interests.
The Druze, a religious and ethnic minority with communities spanning several countries, have shown a complex relationship with Israeli governance. While thousands in the occupied Golan Heights have refrained from seeking Israeli citizenship, a significant portion of the Druze population in Israel actively supports the state and participates in the military, illustrating a nuanced stance within this community.
Israel currently occupies approximately two-thirds of the Golan Heights, a region designated as a demilitarised buffer zone as per a ceasefire agreement established in 1974 between Israel and Syria. The agreement was intended to ensure a degree of stability in the area; however, in light of recent shifts in the Syrian political landscape following President Bashar al-Assad’s challenges to his leadership, Israel has expanded its military footprint in the region. This expansion has led to numerous air strikes targeting Syrian military assets, with Israel justifying these actions as necessary to neutralize perceived Iranian threats, despite Iranian officials asserting that their forces are not present in Syria.
Current Israeli military infrastructure now includes several posts within the buffer zone, a strategic location that Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, have indicated will remain under their control. Netanyahu asserted that these military positions and the presence of Israeli forces will continue indefinitely to ensure the protection of Israeli communities and to mitigate any potential threats.
As geopolitical intricacies unfold in the Middle East, the strategies employed by regional powers continue to evolve, emphasizing the need for careful observation of developments in and around southern Syria.
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