Israeli forces conduct ground incursion into Syria’s Quneitra countryside
QUINEITRA, Syria (North Press) – An Israeli military unit carried out on Wednesday a ground incursion into the town of Jabata al-Khashab in the northern countryside of Quneitra near the Syrian-Israeli border.
A local source told North Press that the Israeli force, consisting of two tanks and four military vehicles, entered the town and advanced toward the quarries area north of Jabata al-Khashab.
The soldiers conducted extensive searches in the area, blocking several internal roads during the operation.
According to the source, Israeli soldiers also prevented trucks transporting gravel and sand from entering or leaving the area, without providing any explanation for the restrictions.
Residents said that similar incursions have become increasingly frequent in recent months, with Israeli forces often setting up temporary checkpoints, inspecting vehicles, and occasionally raiding houses and detaining young men.
The town of Jabata al-Khashab lies in the demilitarized zone established by the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel, under UN supervision.
However, the area has witnessed repeated Israeli incursions and airstrikes in recent years, targeting positions allegedly used by Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah near the Golan Heights.
While Israel rarely comments on such operations, it has repeatedly stated that it will not allow Iranian entrenchment near its borders, leading to ongoing tension and sporadic military activity across the Quneitra frontier.
Reporting by Mo’ayed al-Ashqar