Israel has taken significant military action in Syria, escalating its involvement in the ongoing regional conflict. Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seized control of the demilitarized buffer zone on the Syrian-Israeli border, a region established by the 1974 ceasefire between the two nations. This area, which includes the strategic Mount Hermon, gives Israel a commanding view of the surrounding territories, including Syria and Lebanon.
The move follows concerns about the decentralization of power in Syria, where multiple extremist groups, including former Al-Qaeda affiliates, have gained ground. Israeli officials fear that this power vacuum could lead to new threats on its border. Kobi Michael, a researcher at INSS, emphasized the strategic importance of the territory, noting that control over this area is essential for Israel’s security.
While Israel has no plans to annex the buffer zone, its military presence aims to prevent any hostile forces from exploiting the instability in Syria. Israel’s actions include airstrikes targeting unconventional weapons and air-defense systems in Syria, as it seeks to neutralize potential threats from groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, a former Al-Qaeda operative.
This latest development underscores Israel’s growing concerns about the shifting dynamics in Syria, particularly in light of the collapse of President Assad’s regime, which had provided a form of stability for Israel despite their antagonistic relationship.
