As the Syrian President Bashar Assad faces a dramatic downfall, neighboring Israel finds itself at a critical juncture. The unrest in Syria poses potential danger to Israel, with concerns of spillover violence. However, the end of the Assad regime also presents an opportunity for Israel to disrupt Iran's weapon smuggling to Hezbollah through Syria.
Over the weekend, the Israeli military took control of a demilitarized buffer zone in Syrian territory, citing the need to secure its border. This move, though temporary, has drawn criticism for potentially violating the ceasefire and exploiting the chaos in Syria for territorial gains.
Recent Developments Along the Syrian Frontier
Israeli forces are now positioned in a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone in Syrian territory, previously established by the U.N. after the 1973 Mideast war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified this action as a 'temporary defensive position' due to the absence of Syrian troops in the area.
While the rebels controlling Syria are led by a former al-Qaida militant, Israel has deployed ground and air troops into the buffer zone to maintain security along its border.
Duration of Israeli Presence
Israeli troops entered the buffer zone on Saturday, following an attack on U.N. forces near the border. Israeli officials emphasize that this move is temporary and not indicative of a broader invasion into Syrian territory.
Israel's Interests and Plans
Israel's primary objective is to prevent the instability in Syria from affecting its border region. Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined plans to establish a 'security zone' beyond the buffer area by neutralizing heavy artillery in Syria and thwarting Iran's weapon smuggling to Lebanon.
Israel has reportedly targeted sites holding chemical weapons and missiles in Syria to prevent them from falling into hostile hands. The country also aims to engage with Syria's Druze population and establish communication with Syrian rebel groups to counter Iranian influence.
Despite the complex dynamics, Israel's actions are framed as tactical responses to the evolving situation in Syria, with a focus on border security and stability.
