Following the fall of the Syrian government, Israeli troops have taken control of the buffer zone between Israel and Syria. This move has sparked global criticism against the Zionist state.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that they will not withdraw from the area and will remain there for the time being. This information was reported by Voice of America on Friday (December 13).
After a meeting in Jerusalem with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Netanyahu’s office announced that Israeli troops would stay in the buffer zone near the Golan Heights until forces on the Syrian side ensure the safety of Israelis.
The United Nations, France, and other nations have accused Israel of violating the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries. However, Israeli authorities have claimed this measure is temporary.
Israeli officials argue that the buffer zone has become a vacuum after Syrian forces fled following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, creating concerns about the potential for militant groups to exploit the situation.
Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel will not allow such groups to fill the void and create threats similar to the October 7 attacks in the Golan Heights.
Brigadier General (Ret.) Nitzan Nuriel, former head of Israel’s National Security Council’s Counterterrorism Bureau, said that Israel is monitoring developments in Syria with great caution.
Nuriel remarked, “The worst thing that could happen for Syria is to become the Somalia of the Middle East, meaning numerous factions fighting against each other. No one will call Syria a ‘stable country’ for the next few years.”
Israel has already conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria’s weapon stockpiles and seized tanks and other weapons. Military analysts suggest that Israel believes it has neutralized Syria’s offensive capabilities.