Israel's Military Moves in Syrian Buffer Zone Present Risks and Strategic Opportunities

The recent turmoil in Syria, marked by the fall of President Bashar Assad, poses both risks and opportunities for Israel. Israel is wary that the chaos might spill over into its territory. However, it also sees a chance to disrupt Iran's weapon supply routes to Hezbollah in Lebanon. In response, Israel has taken control of a demilitarised buffer zone in Syria, established after the 1974 ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces are securing a 400-square-kilometre buffer zone. This area lies between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The UN created this zone after the 1973 Mideast war, and about 1,100 UN troops have been patrolling it since then. Netanyahu justified the move as necessary due to Syrian troops abandoning their posts.

Israeli Military Actions

Israel's military has moved both ground and air troops into the buffer zone, including areas on Mount Hermon. This mountain is divided among the Golan Heights, Lebanon, and Syria. Only the United States recognises Israel's control over the Golan Heights. The Israeli government insists that their actions are temporary and aimed at maintaining stability along the border.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric mentioned that these actions violate the 1974 disengagement agreement. He noted that no military forces should be present in the separation area. Despite this, he confirmed that the buffer zone remains calm with UN peacekeepers still stationed there.

International Reactions

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of exploiting Syria's instability to occupy more territory. They claim this violates international law. This isn't Israel's first incursion into the buffer zone this year. An Associated Press report revealed that Israel had been constructing a project along the border since July, entering the buffer zone during this work.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explained that their military took control of certain areas near the border to prevent scenarios similar to Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza in October 2023. He emphasised that these measures are targeted and temporary.

Future Plans and Concerns

Defence Minister Israel Katz outlined plans for a "security zone" beyond the buffer area. This involves destroying heavy artillery across Syria and stopping Iran from smuggling weapons into Lebanon. Katz also mentioned outreach efforts to Syria's Druze population and communication with Syrian rebel groups to prevent Iranian-backed factions from regaining territory.

Carmit Valensi from the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv stated that Israel's actions are tactical responses to Syria's dynamic situation. She noted that with Syria's army collapsing, Israel aims to protect its borders until stability returns.

Israel has historically provided humanitarian aid to southern Syria through "Operation Good Neighbour," which ended in 2018. Over 4,000 Syrians received medical treatment in Israel or at Israeli field hospitals during this time. These non-diplomatic connections could now be crucial for future relations.