DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Reporters Notebook: Along the Syria buffer zone where the threat is far from over

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israel has established a buffer zone in Syria near Quneitra, a move prompted by the collapse of the Assad regime and uncertainty over control of the area.
  • IDF forces have remained in the buffer zone since December 2024, aiming to ensure the security of Golan Heights residents and responding immediately to any perceived threats.
  • The continued presence in the buffer zone reflects a lesson learned from October 7: proactive threat assessment and immediate response, with little appetite to withdraw due to concerns about jihadist organizations and Turkish influence in Syria.

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria in December 2024, Israel has established and maintained a presence within a buffer zone near Quneitra, an area previously separating Syrian and Israeli militaries since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This strategic move was prompted by uncertainty over who would control the territory after Assad's overthrow by Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Ahmed al-Julani.

During Assad’s rule, we faced Syrian Army soldiers on the other side, along with a variety of ‘guests.’

— CommandersIsraeli commanders describe the previous security situation along the Syrian border before the regime change.

IDF forces have occupied the buffer zone since late 2024, with the primary mission of safeguarding the security of residents in the Golan Heights. Commanders noted that during Assad's rule, they faced Syrian Army soldiers and other "guests" along the border. The current deployment reflects a significant shift in operational doctrine, emphasizing immediate threat neutralization. "One of the key lessons of October 7 was that you don’t wait to determine whether a threat exists – you act before it materializes," one commander told The Jerusalem Post.

One of the key lessons of October 7 was that you don’t wait to determine whether a threat exists – you act before it materializes.

— CommanderA commander explains the shift in Israeli military strategy following the October 7 attacks.

Previously, Israeli forces were restricted from engaging even when observing suspicious activity near the border fence. Now, "every threat is dealt with immediately," according to a commander, who stated that the ability to respond has improved dramatically. The presence of Hezbollah operatives at Syrian military outposts, and the potential for intelligence shared with the Syrian military to reach other actors, underscored the need for this proactive stance.

Today, it’s a completely different story. Every threat is dealt with immediately. Our ability to respond to threats and our operational freedom have gone from one to 10.

— CommanderThe commander highlights the enhanced response capabilities and operational freedom of the IDF in the buffer zone.

There appears to be little inclination within Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone. This reluctance stems from ongoing concerns about the new Syrian president's ability to control the entire country and prevent the establishment of presences by jihadist organizations or even Turkey. A senior Israeli official commented that while the Syrian president governs the state, "not all of its territory" is under his firm control, highlighting the persistent security considerations driving Israel's continued military presence.

There is broad consensus that the Syrian president governs the state, but not all of its territory.

— Senior Israeli officialThe official expresses concerns about the Syrian president's control over the country, influencing Israel's decision to remain in the buffer zone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog