The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have moved troops into the United Nations-monitored buffer zone in southwest Syria, adjacent to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, following the rapid fall of Damascus to rebel forces. The move aims to ensure the safety of Israeli communities and maintain security in the volatile region.
Buffer Zone Deployment: Protecting Against Spillover
The IDF announced the deployment on Sunday, citing concerns over the potential entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone, which separates Israeli-controlled and Syrian territories. The military’s statement emphasized its defensive posture:
“The IDF has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defense, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel. Israeli forces will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel.”
The IDF stressed that its involvement is not intended to interfere in Syria’s internal conflict, which has seen the Islamist-led coalition, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), topple President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in recent days.
Rebel Activity and UN Peacekeeping Presence
As Syrian government forces withdrew from Quneitra province near the Golan Heights, UN peacekeepers reported the presence of unidentified armed individuals in the buffer zone. On Saturday, approximately 20 armed men reportedly entered a UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) position in the northern part of the separation area.
The Israeli military confirmed it had supported UNDOF peacekeepers in repelling an attack in the region, highlighting its role in maintaining stability in the face of escalating tensions. A UN spokesperson stated that peacekeepers are continuing their mandated operations despite the ongoing conflict.
Airstrikes and Precautionary Measures
Lebanese media reported that Israeli forces struck an arms depot in Quneitra on Sunday, though the IDF declined to comment on the alleged operation. Such strikes are consistent with Israel’s long-standing policy of targeting arms shipments it believes are intended for Hezbollah, a group aligned with the now-toppled Assad regime.
In addition to its military deployment, the IDF declared agricultural lands near the Golan Heights as a “closed military zone” and moved schools in the region’s Druze-majority towns to online learning as a precautionary measure.
A Region on Edge
The deployment and heightened security measures underscore the fragile situation in the Golan Heights as the aftermath of Assad’s fall creates uncertainty along Israel’s northern border. While the IDF has stated its focus remains on defense, the presence of armed rebel factions and potential jihadist elements in Quneitra raises the stakes for regional stability.
The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau occupied by Israel since 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognized by most of the international community, has long been a focal point of tension between Israel and Syria. The current developments mark a new chapter in the region’s complex history, with the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
