Israel Expands Control in Southern Syria, Vows to Stay ‘Unlimited Time’

Arsh Asim

Israel has reaffirmed its intention to occupy a strategic portion of southern Syrian territory for an “unlimited amount of time,” a move that has drawn significant international attention and criticism. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the plan during a visit to Mount Hermon, a strategically vital peak that overlooks parts of Syria, Lebanon, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Katz emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain a permanent presence in the area to ensure the demilitarisation of southern Syria and protect Israeli communities from potential threats.

The IDF is prepared to stay in Syria for an unlimited amount of time.

“The IDF is prepared to stay in Syria for an unlimited amount of time. We will hold the security area in Hermon and make sure that all the security zones in southern Syria are demilitarized and clear of weapons and threats,” Katz stated. He added that the Israeli military’s presence on Mount Hermon would serve as a constant reminder to Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, of Israel’s resolve to defend its interests. “Every morning when al-Sharaa opens his eyes at the presidential palace in Damascus, he will see the IDF watching him from the peak of the Hermon,” Katz said.

The decision to occupy southern Syrian territory follows the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December, which created a power vacuum in the region. In the aftermath, Israeli forces swiftly moved to establish control over a 400-square-kilometer demilitarised buffer zone in Syrian territory adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

Initially established by the United Nations after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, this zone had been patrolled by a UN force of approximately 1,100 troops. However, Israel’s recent actions have effectively nullified the UN’s role in the area. The IDF has established nine military posts inside Syrian territory, including two on the summit of Mount Hermon. Some of these posts are fortified positions previously occupied by the Syrian army.

Israeli officials have described the expanded zone as a necessary measure to prevent the proliferation of weapons and militant groups in southern Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized the need for the “complete demilitarisation of southern Syria,” citing the threat posed by Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, as a primary concern.

Israel’s incursion into Syrian territory has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Critics argue that Israel is taking advantage of Syria’s instability to annex land, a move reminiscent of its occupation and annexation of the Golan Heights in 1967 and 1981, respectively. The
annexation of the Golan Heights remains unrecognized by most of the international community, and Israel’s latest actions have further complicated the geopolitical landscape.

The Syrian government, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has repeatedly stated that it will not allow Syria to be used as a base for attacks on Israel. However, Israeli officials remain skeptical of Sharaa’s assurances, given his past ties to extremist groups. Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, was a prominent figure in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a coalition of rebel groups with origins in al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Despite his efforts to present a moderate image, Israeli leaders view him as a potential threat.

Israel’s actions in southern Syria are part of a broader strategy to reshape the Middle East in its favour.

Israel’s actions in southern Syria are part of a broader strategy to reshape the Middle East in its favor. Prime Minister Netanyahu has long advocated for the fragmentation of Syria into smaller, autonomous regions, arguing that a federal structure would ensure stability and reduce the threat of centralized aggression.

“A stable Syria can only be a federal Syria that includes different autonomies and respects different ways of life,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told European leaders in Brussels last month. Netanyahu’s vision aligns with Israel’s efforts to forge alliances with minority groups in Syria, such as the Druze and Kurds, who have historically faced persecution under the Assad regime. By offering protection to these communities, Israel aims to establish zones of influence in Syria’s peripheries and counterbalance the power of Iran and Hezbollah.
However, some analysts warn that Israel risks becoming entangled in a protracted conflict, similar to its costly occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has already exacted a heavy toll on civilians, and Israel’s military actions have added to the region’s instability. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,383 civilians have been killed in recent violence, including executions by security forces and allied groups. The Alawite minority, to which former president Bashar al-Assad belongs, has been mainly targeted in the coastal heartland of Syria.

Israel’s airstrikes in southern Syria have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. In recent weeks, Israeli warplanes have launched hundreds of strikes targeting military installations and equipment left behind by the Assad regime. These attacks have caused significant damage and raised fears of a broader regional escalation.

Israel’s incursion into Syrian territory has drawn sharp criticism from the international community.

Israel’s decision to occupy southern Syrian territory for an “unlimited amount of time” marks a significant shift in its approach to regional security. While Israeli leaders argue that the move is necessary to protect their citizens and counter the threat of Iran and Hezbollah, the international community views it as a provocative land grab that undermines the prospects for peace in the region.

As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve, Israel’s actions will likely have far-reaching implications for the Middle East, potentially drawing the country into a prolonged and costly engagement.

The author is a National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He has a strong interest in policy-making and policy analysis, with a goal of becoming a successful policy analyst. He aspires to contribute to meaningful policy reforms and drive positive change in Pakistan.