Syria condemned on Tuesday Israel's incursion into its territories and called for Israel to withdraw, according to a the closing statement of a national dialog summit organized by Syria's new Islamist rulers to outline the country's political roadmap.
Israel moved forces into a UN-monitored demilitarized zone within Syria after rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former Al Qaeda affiliate, toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel will not tolerate the presence of HTS in southern Syria, nor any other forces affiliated with the country's new rulers, and demanded the territory be demilitarized.
“We will not allow forces of the HTS or the new Syrian army to enter the territory south of Damascus. We demand full demilitarization of southern Syria, in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida,” Netanyahu said.“And we will not tolerate any threat to the Druze sect in southern Syria.”
Buffer zone
The prime minister said recently that Israel would maintain the buffer zone as long as necessary, while in the past he has said until the end of 2025, and other defense sources have said Israel could remain there for years.
Additionally, the IDF has been continually operating within and around the buffer zone in Syria, claiming it is doing so to ensure Israel's security as a whole, but particularly for those living in the Golan.
HTS took control of Damascus over December 7-8 2024, bringing an end to the Assad family's five decade rule. Shortly after, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to enter and create a buffer zone in southern Syria.
Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.