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Netanyahu’s comments Sunday at a military graduation led to new
concerns over the Israeli presence, and sway, in a swath of
southern Syria as Damascus' new leaders attempt to consolidate
control after years of civil war.
“Take note: We will not allow HTS forces or the new Syrian army
to enter the area south of Damascus,” Netanyahu said, referring
to Syria’s new authorities as well as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the
main former rebel group.
“We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in
the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda from the forces of
the new regime. Likewise, we will not tolerate any threat to the
Druze community in southern Syria.”
There was no immediate response from Syrian authorities.
Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Israeli forces will
remain on the peak of Mt. Hermon in southern Syria and in a
buffer zone “for an indefinite period of time to protect our
communities and thwart any threat.”
He said Israeli forces have built two posts on the mountain and
another seven in the buffer zone “to ensure defense and offense
against any challenge.”
After the fall of Assad in December, Israel seized the
U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory. The zone was set
up under a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Syria’s new authorities and
U.N. officials have called for Israel to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government has been under pressure to
protect Israelis living near border areas in the north.
Katz said Israel will “strengthen ties with friendly populations
in the region,” notably the Druze, a religious minority who live
in both southern Syria and in Israel’s Golan Heights, where
Druze navigate their historically Syrian identity while living
under Israeli rule.
“We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in
southern Syria,” Netanyahu said.
More broadly, Israeli forces “will not allow hostile forces to
establish themselves and be present in the security zone in
southern Syria from here to Damascus. And we will act against
any threat,” Katz said.
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