Israel won’t allow Syria military forces south of Damascus: Netanyahu
Al JazeeraFEB 22
Netanyahu: Southern Syria Must Be Demilitarized
Above: Syrian army soldiers conduct an operation against elements of the former government, targeting drug traffickers and arms smugglers in the city of Daraa, Syria on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Muhammed Malik Hattab/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria's Quneitra, Daraa, and Suweyda provinces, explicitly stating that forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or the new Syrian army will not be permitted to enter areas south of Damascus.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December, Israel moved forces into the UN-monitored buffer zone established by the 1974 cease-fire agreement, establishing two posts on Syria's Mount Hermon and seven additional positions throughout the buffer zone.
The Israeli military presence extends across strategic locations from Mount Hermon in the northern part of the buffer zone to Tel Qudna in the south, with satellite imagery confirming the establishment of seven military bases.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's military presence in southern Syria is essential for maintaining regional stability and protecting Israeli communities and vulnerable populations like the Druze from potential threats. Hostile forces will be prevented from establishing themselves near Israeli territory.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel is exploiting Syria's political transition to make territorial gains, violating international agreements and Syrian sovereignty by establishing military positions in the UN-monitored buffer zone and conducting unauthorized airstrikes against Syrian assets. This is an occupation that Syrians will work to end.