As Israel moves into Syrian buffer zone, it sees risks and opportunities

Visiting the Golan Heights on Sunday, he stated, “Because Syrian troops abandoned their positions, Israel’s move into the buffer zone was necessary as a temporary defensive position”, according to news agency AP.

Israeli soldiers joke next to an armored vehicle parked near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. (AP)

The United Nations, however, has raised concerns. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, “Peacekeepers at UNDOF informed Israeli counterparts that these actions would constitute a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement”, AP reported.

Despite this, the UN confirmed that peacekeepers remain stationed in the area, which has remained calm. The Security Council is scheduled to convene for consultations, requested by Russia, to address Israel’s actions in the buffer zone.

Netanyahu said Israel was moving to secure approximately 400 square kilometres (155 square miles) of the buffer zone, which lies between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. This area, established after the 1973 Mideast War, has been patrolled by a UN force of 1,100 troops.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explained the rationale behind the military’s move, stating, “The Israeli military took targeted and temporary control of certain areas near the border to prevent an October 7 scenario from Syria.” He referred to Hamas’s unexpected attack on Israel in 2023.

Criticism has been swift, with Egypt accusing Israel of exploiting the chaos in Syria. Its Foreign Ministry said Israel was attempting “to occupy more Syrian territories and create a fait accompli in violation of international law.”

Israel has extended operations into the buffer zone, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the eastern Mediterranean. Netanyahu emphasised the importance of controlling this strategic location, asserting, “We will occupy the summit of Mount Hermon.”

An Israeli army tank maneuvers near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP)

Though Israel insists this move is temporary, it has been met with suspicion. An AP investigation last month revealed that Israel had entered the buffer zone earlier this year during a construction project along the border, sparking UN warnings of ceasefire violations.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, outlined the military’s immediate objectives, including creating a “security zone” by neutralising heavy artillery in Syria and preventing Iran from transporting weapons to Hezbollah. Foreign Minister Saar added that Israel has targeted multiple sites housing chemical weapons and long-range missiles, without specifying when these strikes occurred.

Analysts like Carmit Valensi of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv view the operation as tactical. “It’s a temporary step to ensure border stability amid Syria’s collapse,” she said, reported AP.

Additionally, Israel is reportedly reaching out to Syria’s Druze community and rebel groups to limit the influence of Iranian-backed factions. Valensi suggested that past initiatives, such as “Operation Good Neighbour,” which provided humanitarian aid to Syrians, could be leveraged to build alliances.

For now, Israeli leaders stress the move is not a prelude to a broader invasion. A military official, speaking anonymously, insisted, “This is not about changing the border but ensuring stability until the situation stabilises.”

(with inputs from AP)

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