Netanyahu Declares Israeli Control Over Syria’s Golan Demilitarized Zone
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the Israeli military’s control over the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, southwest Syria. The move comes in the wake of significant military mobilization in the area following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
The Israeli army confirmed deploying ground and aerial units in strategic positions within the buffer zone, citing security concerns amid the volatile situation in Syria.
A Historic Move
In a televised address near the Syrian border, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu described the operation as a “historic day for the Middle East.”
“The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is a direct result of our decisive strikes against Iran and Hezbollah, the regime’s key supporters,” Netanyahu said. “This development has triggered a wave of change across the region, empowering those who seek freedom from oppression and tyranny.”
Netanyahu’s comments underscore Israel’s long-standing concerns about Iranian and Hezbollah activities in Syria, particularly near the Israeli border.
Military Mobilization
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement detailing the rationale behind their recent actions.
“In light of the developments in Syria and the potential infiltration of armed militants into the demilitarized zone, the IDF has deployed forces to key positions within the buffer area and established additional defensive outposts,” the statement read.
The army emphasized that it is not intervening directly in Syria’s internal conflict. However, it imposed a closed military zone in agricultural areas near Marom Golan, Ein Zivan, Buq’ata, and Khirbet Ein Hoor.
This move aligns with Israel’s longstanding strategy to secure its borders and prevent any spillover of conflict from Syria.
Regional Implications
The takeover of the demilitarized zone follows years of heightened tension in the Golan Heights, an area Israel has occupied since the 1967 Six-Day War. While Israel annexed the region in 1981, a move not internationally recognized, the demilitarized zone had remained a buffer between Israeli and Syrian forces under UN supervision.
With the Assad regime’s collapse, Israel appears to be positioning itself strategically in response to the changing dynamics in Syria. Analysts believe the move could serve as a preemptive measure against possible incursions by extremist groups or Iranian proxies seeking to exploit the power vacuum.
International and Regional Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions globally and regionally.
- United States: While Washington has yet to comment formally on Israel’s actions, recent statements from the White House indicate strong support for Israel’s security concerns. The U.S. has also maintained its endorsement of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights since 2019.
- Arab States: Neighboring Arab countries are closely monitoring the developments. Jordan, which shares a border with Syria, has expressed concern over the potential for further destabilization in the region.
- Iran and Hezbollah: Neither Iran nor Hezbollah has issued an official response to Netanyahu’s statements. However, both entities have been significantly weakened by recent Israeli strikes and the loss of Assad’s stronghold.
Uncertain Future
The situation remains fluid as the region grapples with the fallout from Assad’s downfall. While Netanyahu’s declaration represents a significant shift in the Golan Heights, the long-term implications for Israeli-Syrian relations are uncertain.
For now, the focus will be on maintaining security and stability in the Golan, a region that has been a flashpoint for decades. As Syria transitions to a post-Assad era, the international community will closely watch how these developments reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.