Israel Defence Minister signals ongoing occupation of buffer zones in Syria

Israeli Defence Minister, Yisrael Katz, on Tuesday announced that the Israeli army has recently conducted operations in Syria aimed at destroying strategic threats to Israel.

Speaking at the Naval Base in Haifa, Katz reported that “the Navy successfully destroyed the Syrian fleet last night”.

Katz issued a stark warning to rebel leaders in Syria, cautioning them against opposing Israel and asserting that those who follow the path of the regime of ousted President Bashar Al-Assad are bound to meet a similar fate.

He declared, “We will not permit an Islamic terrorist entity to operate against Israel from across our borders and endanger our citizens; we will take all necessary measures to eliminate this threat,” he said.

The Defence Minister also indicated that Israeli forces are reinforcing their presence within buffer zones and areas under their control, justifying these actions as necessary for safeguarding illegal settlers in the Golan Heights and ensuring the security of Israeli citizens.

Hinting at a prolonged occupation of these buffer zones, Katz stated, “Together with Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, I have directed the IDF to establish a defensive zone free from weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria. This zone will not feature a permanent Israeli presence but aims to prevent the entrenchment and organisation of terrorism—creating conditions akin to what existed in Lebanon and Gaza prior to 7 October.”

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