Israel Establishes ‘Sterile Security Zone’ in Southern Syria
Reports suggest the IOF has moved into the south of Damascus Governorate, seizing the village of Heeneh and advancing toward Khan Alsheh in the Qatana area near the Lebanese border.
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday the creation of a “sterile security zone” in southern Syria to prevent “terrorist threats” to “Israel.”
During a visit to the naval forces station in Haifa, Katz said the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are finalizing their deployment in the buffer zone along the Golan Heights.
“The Israel Defense Force is currently completing its deployment in the buffer zone and in dominant positions to protect the residents of the Golan Heights and the citizens of the state of Israel. Together with the Prime Minister, I instructed the Israel Defense Forces to create a security zone in southern Syria that is sterile from weapons and terrorist threats,” Katz said.
Reports from Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper suggest the IOF has moved into the south of Damascus Governorate, seizing the village of Heeneh and advancing toward Khan Alsheh in the Qatana area near the Lebanese border.
Meanwhile, Israeli Army Radio reported over 250 airstrikes targeting military assets in Syria since the recent political upheaval, including bases, fighter jets, and missile warehouses.
Regional Reactions
Turkiye has strongly condemned “Israel’s” actions, calling them an “occupying mentality” and reiterating support for Syria’s sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity. The Turkish Foreign Ministry warned that such measures threaten prospects for peace in Syria.
“In this sensitive period, when there is a possibility of achieving the peace and stability that the Syrian people have been longing for, Israel is once again displaying its occupying mentality,” the Turkish statement read.
In response to the allegations, IOF spokesperson Avichay Adraee denied that Israeli forces are advancing toward Damascus. “IDF forces remain in the demilitarized zone in defensive positions close to the border to protect the Israeli border,” Adraee said on social media.
Egypt likewise condemned the Israeli occupation of the demilitarized zone with Syria and adjacent areas in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement.
