In a recent address, Netanyahu outlined Israel's demand for complete demilitarisation in southern Syria, potentially heightening friction with the new Syrian leadership post-Assad. As Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces would indefinitely occupy areas captured since December, he firmly opposed the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and new Syrian military forces near Damascus. Netanyahu's commitment to protect Israel and the Druze community in the region indicates a significant shift in Israel's approach, shifting from a temporary hold in the Golan buffer zone to a more permanent military presence due to perceived threats from the newly formed regime.
Israel's Demand for Demilitarisation Sparks Tensions with New Syrian Leadership
Israel's Demand for Demilitarisation Sparks Tensions with New Syrian Leadership
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the demilitarisation of southern Syria raises concerns of escalating conflict following the overthrow of Assad.
While HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, now interim President of Syria, guarantees a non-confrontational stance, he has called for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas, echoing a broader quest for sovereignty. The geopolitical landscape remains complex with the influence of foreign powers like Iran and Russia waning, yet Turkey's role may shape the future of Syria. Netanyahu's uncompromising position presents immediate challenges to Syria's efforts at unification, as military activity and territorial disputes complicate the vision of a stabilized state under Sharaa's leadership.
Netanyahu's firm opposition to a militarized southern Syria may provoke further tension, undermining efforts for peaceful coexistence in a region still marred by conflict and external influence.
Israel challenges Syria's new leaders with demand for demilitarisation of south
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the complete demilitarisation of southern Syria, potentially escalating tensions with Syria's interim leadership following Bashar al-Assad's ousting.
In a speech to military cadets, Netanyahu demanded that newly formed Syrian forces, including those from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), must not enter the southern provinces of Quneitra, Deraa, and Suweida. He announced that Israeli forces would maintain their presence in seized territories indefinitely, marking a change in Israel's previous temporary stance. Netanyahu's actions come amid assertions from HTS leader and new interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seeks to assure Israel of his government's non-confrontational approach while demanding Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas.
The evolving dynamics in the region also involve shifting foreign influences, with Iran and Russia's roles decreasing, and Turkey potentially gaining prominence. As Israel's military presence raises sovereignty concerns for Syria's leadership, Netanyahu's uncompromising stance may hinder prospects for peace and stability in the region.
Netanyahu's firm opposition to a militarized southern Syria may provoke further tension, undermining efforts for peaceful coexistence in a region still marred by conflict and external influence.
Israel challenges Syria's new leaders with demand for demilitarisation of south
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the complete demilitarisation of southern Syria, potentially escalating tensions with Syria's interim leadership following Bashar al-Assad's ousting.
In a speech to military cadets, Netanyahu demanded that newly formed Syrian forces, including those from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), must not enter the southern provinces of Quneitra, Deraa, and Suweida. He announced that Israeli forces would maintain their presence in seized territories indefinitely, marking a change in Israel's previous temporary stance. Netanyahu's actions come amid assertions from HTS leader and new interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seeks to assure Israel of his government's non-confrontational approach while demanding Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas.
The evolving dynamics in the region also involve shifting foreign influences, with Iran and Russia's roles decreasing, and Turkey potentially gaining prominence. As Israel's military presence raises sovereignty concerns for Syria's leadership, Netanyahu's uncompromising stance may hinder prospects for peace and stability in the region.
