'Israel' refuses HTS, new Syrian forces near Damascus: Netanyahu
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified "Israel's" military presence in southern Syria as a "defensive measure," declaring that Israeli forces would remain indefinitely.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a joint news conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, 'Israel', Sunday, February 16, 2025. (AP)
"Israel" announced on Sunday that it would not tolerate the presence of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or any forces linked to Syria's new government in southern Syria. This statement follows HTS's takeover of Damascus on December 8, ending Bashar al-Assad's rule and prompting "Israel's" incursion into Syrian territory under the pretext of security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified "Israel's" military presence in southern Syria as a "defensive measure," declaring that Israeli forces would remain indefinitely. He demanded the full demilitarization of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, stating, "We will not allow forces of the HTS or the new Syrian army to enter the territory south of Damascus."
To further rationalize the military occupation, Netanyahu also cited alleged threats to the Druze minority in southern Syria as a rationale for military intervention, declaring, "We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze sect in southern Syria."
"Israel" has historically used the pretext of protecting druze minorities to legitimize military actions and extend its strategic foothold in neighboring territories.
Military occupation
Following the collapse of the Syrian government, Israeli forces invaded the UN-monitored demilitarized zone, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon/Jabal al-Sheikh, positioning troops approximately 25 kilometers from Damascus. This expansion has drawn widespread condemnation for violating international agreements.
Read more: Netanyahu says occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli 'for eternity'
"Israel" has significantly increased its occupation in Quneitra's southern countryside, moving into villages like al-Asbah, Kodna, al-Rafid, and Hiran.
Satellite images published by Haaretz reveal the construction of seven new Israeli occupation military outposts within Syrian territory, featuring living quarters, command centers, and observation posts.
Syrian, international reactions
Syria condemned "Israel's" actions as an illegal occupation, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces. The United Nations also criticized "Israel", calling its presence a violation of international agreements and urging the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Amid the ongoing occupation, residents of Quneitra renewed calls for the liberation of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. During a discussion session organized by the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, participants emphasized the unity of Syrian territory and condemned "Israel's" continued occupation.
The attendees urged the implementation of transitional justice, amnesty, and reconciliation, as well as the formation of a national army and economic reforms. These recommendations will be submitted to Syria's new administration under HTS control.
Read more: Damascus demands 'Israel' cease actions on its territory: MoD
"Israel's" demand for the demilitarization of Syrian provinces comes as part of Israeli efforts to undermine Syrian sovereignty and control strategic areas near Damascus. Despite international condemnation, "Israel" continues its military occupation, escalating regional tensions and raising concerns about potential military confrontations.
