Israeli soldiers have conducted raids in Syrian border villages, causing residents to remain indoors due to heightened tensions. The Israeli military has captured the highest peak in Syria and established roadblocks between towns, now monitoring local villages from former military outposts.
The recent developments follow the decline of Syria's long-time leader, Bashar al-Assad, which has led to an Israeli incursion in the border region. Israel has described this action as a temporary defensive measure aimed at ensuring its security.
Thousands of Syrians now reside in areas partially controlled by Israeli forces, leading to concerns about the duration of this military campaign. Reports indicate that Israeli troops have detained residents and opened fire during protests against the raids, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Some Syrians express fears that the Israeli presence could evolve into a prolonged military occupation. Residents of the border village of Khan Arnabeh have voiced their discontent, stating that the Israeli military's arrival overshadowed the fall of the Assad regime.
Historically, Israel and Syria have engaged in multiple conflicts, with the last war occurring in 1973. Following that conflict, a demilitarized buffer zone was established, monitored by United Nations peacekeepers. However, the recent upheaval in Syria has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order troops to take control of this buffer zone.
Israeli forces swiftly captured Mount Hermon and expanded their presence in the area, conducting numerous airstrikes targeting Assad's military assets. This ongoing military operation has raised international concerns regarding potential violations of the long-standing cease-fire.
Local leaders have noted that the Israeli military is operating in the border area with significant freedom, akin to its activities in the West Bank. Some residents have expressed a desire for improved relations with Israel, citing mutual opposition to Iran's influence in Syria.
Despite some positive interactions, local leaders warn that a prolonged Israeli occupation could lead to increased violence in a region already weary from civil conflict. Israel currently controls much of the Golan Heights, territory captured during the 1967 war.
Israeli officers have reportedly visited villages to demand the surrender of weapons, with many towns complying. The Israeli military has stated that it has seized and destroyed weapons previously belonging to the Syrian army.
Residents have reported damage to infrastructure, including water pipes and electrical cables, resulting in service disruptions. Some villagers have noted a lack of running water since the Israeli military's incursion, with restrictions on movement imposed by roadblocks.
Protests against the Israeli military presence have occurred in several villages, with reports of Israeli soldiers firing on demonstrators. The military has characterized its actions as warning shots while investigating claims of civilian injuries.
Israel's military involvement is driven by concerns over Iranian-backed militias gaining a foothold along the border, as well as the potential for surprise attacks reminiscent of past conflicts. Israeli officials have emphasized their commitment to national security and have indicated that troop withdrawal will depend on new arrangements along the border.
Criticism of Israel's military actions has emerged from various quarters, including Arab states and France, who view these actions as violations of the cease-fire. The situation remains fluid, with local leaders urging for a swift Israeli withdrawal to prevent further escalation of tensions.
In the village of Kodana, Israeli armored vehicles arrived shortly after Assad's fall, demanding the surrender of weapons from residents. The military has since established a presence in the area, but residents have reported difficulties accessing water due to the military's control over local wells.
Local leaders continue to call for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, asserting that their presence exacerbates existing problems and tensions in the region.