Israel warns against Syrian military build-up in the south
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued on Wednesday a stark warning, stating that any attempt by the newly restructured Syrian army to strengthen its presence in southern Syria will be met with military force.
Katz confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had recently carried out strikes on targets in Syria, emphasizing that Israel will not tolerate the deployment of Syrian forces or what he described as “terrorist organizations” near its borders.
“Israeli Air Force is now attacking strongly in southern Syria as part of the new policy we have defined of pacifying southern Syria,” Katz declared. “We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon.”
The defense minister underscored Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens, warning that any military entrenchment in the security zone along Syria’s southern border will be countered with force.
“We will not endanger the security of our citizens,” he stressed.
His statement follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call on Feb. 23, for the disarmament of military forces in the southern Syrian governorates of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda.