Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to remain stationed in the UN-monitored Syria buffer zone through winter. The decision underscores Israel’s strategy to maintain control over the strategic Golan Heights amid escalating regional challenges.
Israel seized the demilitarized buffer zone last Sunday, shortly after Syria rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad from power. Since then, Israel has carried out hundreds of air and naval strikes targeting Syria military sites. These strikes aim to prevent key assets, including chemical weapons and air defenses, from falling into rebel hands.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Katz highlighted the strategic importance of Mount Hermon, Syria highest peak and a key observation point. “Securing Mount Hermon is critical for our defense. Troops must remain ready to endure challenging winter conditions,” his spokesperson explained.
This deployment coincides with Israel’s ongoing withdrawal from southern Lebanon, where forces recently fought Hezbollah militants for several months. At the same time, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, battling Palestinian militants.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office defended the move, stating that Assad’s downfall created a “vacuum on Israel’s border.” Israel has described its presence in the buffer zone as temporary. Officials noted it will last until a new force, aligned with the 1974 armistice agreement, is established to secure the area.
However, Israel’s actions have drawn widespread international criticism. The United Nations has condemned the seizure, emphasizing that it violates the 1974 armistice. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over these violations and urged Israel to end unauthorized activities.
Even Israel’s key ally, the United States, has called for the occupation to remain short-term. Analysts believe Israel fears that Assad’s remaining chemical weapons or other strategic assets could fall into jihadist hands. Such scenarios, experts argue, could pose a direct threat to Israeli security.
The Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and annexed in 1981, remains highly contested. While the U.S. recognizes Israel’s annexation, it faces ongoing rejection from the international community.
As tensions grow in the region, Israel appears determined to secure its borders while addressing mounting global scrutiny.
