Israel Presses Syria's New Regime for Southern Demilitarization

Netanyahu's recent demands could escalate conflicts with Syria's new government following the ousting of Assad, as he insists on preventing extremist influences in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong demand for the total demilitarization of key regions in southern Syria, a move that is likely to heighten tensions with the country’s newly established leaders following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. Speaking to military cadets on Sunday, Netanyahu asserted that Israel would not permit forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction that spearheaded Assad's downfall, to operate near the border, particularly in the provinces of Quneitra, Deraa, and Suweida.

"We demand the complete demilitarisation of southern Syria from the forces of the new regime," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that any threats to the Druze community in the region will also be unacceptable. His remarks indicated that Israeli troops would continue to maintain a presence in Syrian territories seized since the fall of Assad last December—a significant change from prior Israeli policies which treated this military involvement as a temporary security measure.

Israel has historically described its activities in the Golan Heights as an effort to prevent extremist groups from advancing into the region, but Netanyahu's recent comments suggest a growing concern that Syrian authorities, influenced by jihadistic factions, could pose a renewed threat.

On the other hand, the newly appointed Syrian interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads HTS, has attempted to calm Israeli fears, insisting on his commitment to uphold the disengagement agreement established post-1973 war. However, there are also calls from Sharaa for Israel to withdraw from the Golan buffer zone, as the new leadership seeks to assert control over a fragmented Syria.

Despite these assurances from Sharaa, Netanyahu appears skeptical and awaits tangible actions to back the leadership's moderate claims. The new Syrian government, aiming to break free from the foreign influences that shaped the conflict-ridden years of civil war, is now faced with the dilemma of managing Israeli military actions within its borders.

While external players like Iran and Russia have seen their influence waned, the dynamics involving Turkey and its support for HTS could also play a pivotal role in Syria's transition after Assad. However, Israel's continued military presence, marked by strikes against remnants of Assad's military assets, poses immediate challenges to the new Syrian administration's aspirations for sovereignty and stability.

As Netanyahu fortifies his stance against Syrian forces, the potential for increased conflict looms over the region, complicating efforts towards a unified and sovereign Syrian state under new management.