The fragile calm along the Israeli-Syrian border has been shattered by a dramatic shift in policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive for Israeli forces to seize control of the United Nations-monitored buffer zone has upended nearly five decades of relative peace in the region.
Citing a collapse of the 1974 ceasefire agreement following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Netanyahu declared the move necessary to prevent “hostile elements” from gaining a foothold near Israel’s borders. “The buffer zone has been abandoned by Syrian forces. This creates a vacuum that we cannot afford,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have swiftly established a presence in strategic areas, including Mount Hermon and villages within the demilitarized zone. While Netanyahu emphasized the operation as a defensive measure, the actions have sparked fears of a prolonged Israeli occupation and have drawn sharp criticism from the international community.
For residents of Syria’s Quneitra region, the Israeli incursion has brought anxiety and displacement. Protesters have decried the lack of action from both the Syrian government and the international community. Many families report restricted access to farmland and have faced the demolition of homes as the IDF fortifies its positions.
“Where is the world when we are losing our land?” asked Khaled Hassan, a resident of Quneitra. “We have lived under occupation before, and now it seems history is repeating itself.”
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has monitored the area since 1974, described the Israeli actions as a violation of international agreements. In a statement, the UN called on Israel to respect the terms of the ceasefire and withdraw from the area.
Analysts suggest that Israel’s actions are not merely defensive but reflect broader strategic objectives. With Syria in disarray following Assad’s downfall, Israel may be seeking to establish a buffer against potential threats while also expanding its influence in the region.
“There’s no doubt that Israel is taking advantage of Syria’s political chaos,” said Dr. Sami Al-Ahmad, a Middle East analyst based in Beirut. “This is as much about securing their borders as it is about reshaping the geopolitical map.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted at a potentially long-term Israeli presence, stating that the IDF would remain in the area “until a new arrangement guarantees Israel’s security.”
The move has drawn sharp rebukes from neighboring countries and global powers. Syria’s transitional government condemned the occupation, accusing Israel of exploiting the country’s vulnerability. Meanwhile, Turkey and Iran have both issued strong warnings, raising concerns of broader regional escalation.
In Washington, officials expressed concern over the potential for prolonged instability. A State Department spokesperson noted, “While Israel has legitimate security concerns, unilateral actions risk undermining regional peace efforts.” The European Union has similarly called for a diplomatic resolution, urging both Israel and Syria to adhere to international law.
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