Netanyahu vows to hold newly occupied Syrian territories

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel will not withdraw from Syrian territories it seized following the collapse of the Damascus government last year. Addressing a conference of diplomats, Netanyahu stated his intention to "preserve these assets," referring specifically to the Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) area and a buffer zone adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Expansion of occupation and aims for demilitarization

Netanyahu's announcement formalizes an expanded occupation that began after the fall of the Baath regime on December 8, 2024. Israeli military operations intensified, destroying former regime infrastructure and pushing deeper into southern Syria. Forces have entered the established buffer zone and advanced to within 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of Damascus. Despite this territorial hold, Netanyahu said Israel hopes to reach an agreement with Syrian authorities on demilitarizing the southern region.

Syrian position and historical context

The Israeli stance directly contradicts the stated position of the Syrian government. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has previously asserted that no agreement with Israel is possible until it fully withdraws from all occupied Syrian land. The current expansion builds upon Israel's long-standing occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, which began in 1967 and was partially governed by a disengagement agreement in 1974 that created specific buffer and demilitarized zones.

Regional implications and international law

This move solidifies a significant shift in the strategic landscape of the region, extending Israel's military footprint deeper into sovereign Syrian territory. It presents a major obstacle to any future political settlement in Syria and raises serious questions under international law regarding the acquisition of territory by force. The development is likely to further complicate already tense regional dynamics and international diplomatic efforts concerning Syria's future.