Israel rotates military brigades in southern Syria, maintains occupation

The Israeli military has announced the withdrawal of a reserve brigade from southern Syria, stating it completed its mission after approximately three months in the area. In a statement on Sunday, the army said the 55th Reserve Brigade, which operated under the 210th Division, was active in "defending the Golan Heights" and within a security zone in Syrian territory. It will be replaced by another reserve brigade in the coming days.

Details of the Rotation

According to the Israeli military, the 55th Brigade had been deployed for over 100 days across multiple fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, since the start of the recent conflicts. The army framed its activities in southern Syria as defensive operations. The incoming brigade is tasked with continuing "operational activity in southern Syria and the Golan Heights," indicating a sustained Israeli military presence in the occupied and contested border region.

Context of Occupation and Violations

This routine troop rotation occurs within the context of Israel's long-standing occupation of Syria's Golan Heights, which it seized in 1967 and later annexed—a move not recognized internationally. Following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, Israel expanded its control by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone established by a 1974 agreement, further violating Syrian sovereignty. Despite the new transitional government in Damascus posing no credible military threat to Israel, Israeli forces have repeatedly conducted airstrikes and ground incursions into Syrian territory, often targeting Iranian-aligned groups but also causing civilian casualties and destroying Syrian infrastructure.

Regional Tensions and Türkiye's Stance

The continued Israeli military presence in southern Syria exacerbates regional tensions and undermines prospects for stability. It represents a violation of Syria's territorial integrity and international law. Türkiye, which firmly opposes all forms of occupation and advocates for the respect of sovereign borders in accordance with UN resolutions, consistently calls for Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights. Ankara views such persistent violations as major obstacles to comprehensive peace and security in the Middle East.