Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has called on "Israel" to stop its actions on Syrian territory, labeling them as illegal. In an interview with Al Majalla magazine on Wednesday, the minister addressed the ongoing tensions with the occupation.

"Israel must stop its atrocities on Syrian territory. Very great efforts are being made to stop them. We say that the country is tired of war and we are not ready to have problems with anyone," Abu Qasra stated.

The minister's remarks come amidst escalating concerns over "Israel's" expanding its invasion and occupation in Syria.

Reports indicate that in December 2024, "Israel" conducted over 350 airstrikes targeting strategic military sites across Syria. According to Israeli claims, these strikes were aimed at preventing advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of Resistance groups following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.

This large-scale campaign has been condemned by Damascus as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani echoed these sentiments, telling TRT that "these areas belong to the Syrian people, not the regime, and we must defend our homeland. Israel must respect Syria's sovereignty just as they seek security for their own borders and homes."

Read more: New Syrian leadership to privatize oil, cotton, ports to boost economy

In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli officials have been covertly plotting to push for the division of Syria into cantons through an international summit. The plan, proposed in December following the collapse of the Assad government, allegedly aims to secure the rights of various ethnic groups but has faced criticism for being a potential exploitation of Syria's fragmented state.

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Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has reportedly spearheaded discussions about such a summit, while Israeli security officials express concerns about the influence of the new Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa and the growing role of Turkey in Syria. The Israeli regime, according to Israel Hayom, fears that any initiative tied to "Israel" may face outright rejection in Syria.

"The main fear is that an idea that is identified with Israel will necessarily not be accepted in Syria, which is why the discussions on the matter are classified," Israel Hayom further stated.

Frustration grows in Quneitra

"Israel's" activities in Syria have gone beyond diplomatic maneuvering. On December 21, 2024, Israeli occupation forces established military positions atop strategic hills in southern Syria's Quneitra Governorate, violating Syria's territorial integrity. Reports revealed the occupation of nearly 95% of Quneitra and the destruction of Syrian military infrastructure in the region. The Israeli Occupation Force also bulldozed agricultural lands to create roads linking villages and extended its control over water resources.

The occupation's military presence has provoked local resistance. Protests in Quneitra have been met with violence, as Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, injuring several. Local residents have expressed frustration with both the Israeli advances and the inaction of Syria's new leadership.

IOF prepares for long stay

Adding to the complexity, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in Syria, with plans to remain in the Mount Hermon area and the UN-monitored buffer zone until at least the end of 2025. Netanyahu cited security concerns related to rebel groups now in power as justification for the extended occupation.

In parallel, Syrian officials have sought to raise international awareness of these developments. Damascus has formally complained to the UN Security Council regarding Israeli airstrikes and territorial incursions, with residents voicing anger over the silence from the international community.

Read more: Israeli strikes on Syria violate international law: UN experts

The newly installed Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken a softer stance toward "Israel", with Governor  Maher Marwan expressing no interest in conflict. "We want peace, and we cannot be an opponent to Israel or anyone," Marwan stated, adding that the administration seeks coexistence and improved relations.

Despite these assurances, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described the new Syrian government as a "terrorist gang" and expressed skepticism about its intentions.