In a significant escalation along Israel’s northern border, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to seize control of the demilitarised buffer zone between Israel and Syria. The decision came after the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which had maintained the zone’s neutral status for nearly 50 years, collapsed. The Israeli military announced on Sunday that IDF troops had entered the zone, marking a dramatic shift in the security dynamics of the region.
Speaking near the border, Netanyahu stated, “This agreement has collapsed, Syrian soldiers abandoned their positions. We will not allow any hostile forces to establish themselves at our border.” The demilitarised zone, which was set up after the Yom Kippur War, had long been regarded as a buffer to reduce tensions and avoid direct confrontation between Israel and Syria. However, with the Syrian government’s military presence deteriorating, the region has become increasingly unstable.
The IDF has been instructed to take a strong stance in response to any threats, with orders for “deterrent fire” issued against anyone attempting to breach the border fence. The military also noted that it is preparing for potential spillover into the nearby Druze villages on the Syrian side of the border. These villages are home to a large Druze population, some of whom have relatives in Israel. There are concerns that Israeli Druze may attempt to cross the border to assist their relatives in the event of increased instability.
The collapse of the Syrian military presence was a surprise to Israeli officials, with sources in the IDF admitting that while they were aware of the country’s internal struggles, the rapid deterioration of Assad’s regime was unexpected. Recent intelligence assessments had suggested that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had stabilised his rule with the support of Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. However, the situation on the ground has changed dramatically, with rebel forces making significant gains.
The IDF has expressed particular concern over Hezbollah’s movements in the region. The group, which has been instrumental in supporting Assad’s regime, remains a primary focus for Israel’s military. In response to the evolving situation, the IDF has been actively targeting weapons and air defence systems in Syria that pose a direct threat to Israel. The military has also made it clear that any attempt to transfer arms from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon will be met with force.
In one notable military action, Israel launched airstrikes on a convoy of Hezbollah armoured vehicles near the Syria-Lebanon border, as rebel forces seized the strategic city of Qusayr. Syrian army sources confirmed that at least 150 armoured vehicles, carrying hundreds of Hezbollah fighters, were making their way out of the city. Qusayr has long been a vital route for Hezbollah’s weapons and fighters, and its loss to rebel forces represents a significant blow to both the Syrian government and its Iranian-backed allies.
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Meanwhile, the situation in Damascus has continued to deteriorate. Opposition leaders have declared the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and the Syrian Prime Minister confirmed the government’s collapse, pledging to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people. Senior security sources have reported that Assad has fled to an undisclosed location, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future. The shifting power dynamics in Syria, alongside the increasing influence of rebel forces and foreign-backed militias, have left the region in a state of flux.
In response to these developments, Israel has reinforced its military presence in the Golan Heights, placing additional troops in the area. Military zones have been established near agricultural regions, and restrictions have been put in place for local communities to ensure their safety amid the ongoing uncertainty.
With the collapse of the Syrian regime’s military capabilities, the region faces new risks, particularly concerning the potential for further instability along the Israel-Syria border. Netanyahu’s decision to order the IDF to take control of the buffer zone underscores the growing concerns within Israel about the changing security environment. While the situation remains fluid, it is clear that Israel is preparing for a protracted period of uncertainty and possible conflict as the power vacuum in Syria deepens.
