Israel announced on Sunday that it will not accept the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in southern Syria, nor any other groups associated with the new regime in the country, insisting on the demilitarization of the area.
HTS, previously linked to Al Qaeda, seized control of Damascus on December 8 in a surprising offensive that ended the rule of former president Bashar al-Assad. This development has led Israel to position its forces within a U.N.-monitored demilitarized zone in Syria.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain its presence in the region as a defensive strategy for as long as necessary.
“We will not permit HTS forces or the new Syrian army to enter the territory south of Damascus. We demand complete demilitarization of southern Syria, specifically in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida,” Netanyahu declared during a military graduation event.
He further emphasized, “We will not tolerate any threats to the Druze community in southern Syria.” The Druze, who follow a distinct interpretation of Islam, represent a minority in both Syria and Israel.
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In response, Syria has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory. The United Nations has indicated that Israel’s actions in Syrian territory violate international agreements and has also urged for the withdrawal of these troops.
