Israeli media reveals Netanyahu’s motives for disarming southern Syria
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One of "Israel’s" primary fears is the uncertain authority of Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa, as per Israel Hayom's diplomatic analyst Ariel Kahana.
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A Syrian man waves a white flag as he approaches Israeli occupation forces where they have set up their new position, in Maariyah, near the border with occupied Palestine in southern Syria, on December 19, 2024. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the full demilitarization of Southern Syria, citing escalating security concerns over the presence of "hostile forces near Israel’s borders," Israel Hayom reported.
On his part, Israel Hayom's diplomatic analyst Ariel Kahana argued that Netanyahu's demand, which focuses on the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, is driven by fears that "internal sectarian tensions and deep-seated hostility toward Israel" could spiral into renewed instability, despite the current fragile calm in Syria.
One of "Israel’s" primary fears, Kahana said, is the uncertain authority of Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa.
"He may not intend to attack Israel, but it is unclear whether he can maintain firm control over Syria for long," he stressed.
If "anti-Israel militias" emerge along the border, "it’s uncertain whether he will act against them—or even want to," Kahana further added.
Turkiye’s influence and Israeli countermeasures
A second key concern, the report suggested, is Turkiye’s growing influence in Syria. It describes Syria as effectively becoming a "protectorate" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose hostility toward "Israel is well-documented". The Israeli newspaper recalls Erdogan’s previous statements, warning that "one day, his forces will confront Israel."
To preempt such a scenario, "Israel" appears intent on enforcing a "buffer zone" in the region, as per the report.
"Israel wants to disarm an area where such a conflict could unfold," the report noted, warning of potential Turkish-backed militias forming a "hostile bloc challenging Israel."
The report also suggested that Netanyahu is presenting himself as a protector of minority groups, particularly the Druze, claiming that "Israel fosters healthy civil relations with them."
With Netanyahu making disarmament a central demand, attention now turns to how the "Syrian-Turkish authority" will respond, Kahana concludes.
Read next: 'Israel', Turkiye expand influence in post-Assad Syria: Bloomberg
Israeli occupation deploys reinforcement in Southern Syria: Exclusive
Earlier this month, Israeli occupation forces deployed new reinforcements to recently established occupied positions within the so-called buffer zone in Southern Syria, raising warning signs to deter residents from approaching.
According to a local source, the reinforcements were sent to four of nine fixed Israeli occupation positions: Mount Hermon in the Damascus countryside, al-Hamidiya in the Quneitra countryside, and the al-Jazeera barracks in the Daraa countryside.
The source added that the reinforcements included infantry forces from the Golani Brigade and the Shaldag special unit, which occupied the summit of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. Additionally, mine-clearing and snow-clearing vehicles, along with Israeli Merkava tanks, were deployed. However, no aircraft were overhead due to weather conditions.
