Israel to Stay in Syria Buffer Zone Until Border Security Secured

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israeli forces will remain in a Syrian buffer zone until a new security force is established on the Syrian side of the border to ensure stability. This action follows the upheaval caused by the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which led to the emergence of a power vacuum along the border. In response, Israel’s military seized control of additional strategic points near its border, with the aim of preventing jihadi groups from taking advantage of the instability.

Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel would not allow these groups to threaten the security of its communities, particularly in the Golan Heights, a region Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and later annexed. While the international community generally considers the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory, Israel maintains its claim over the region.

The Israeli military’s presence in the buffer zone is described as temporary, with the intention of handing over control once a security force that is committed to the 1974 disengagement agreement can be formed. Until then, Israeli forces will remain in place to maintain order and prevent any further threats.