Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the demilitarization of southern Syria, asserting that Israel cannot accept the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or any groups linked to the new Syrian regime in that region.

Following HTS’s takeover of Damascus on December 7-8, which concluded nearly half a century of the Assad family’s governance, Netanyahu instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to establish a buffer zone in southern Syria.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this buffer zone would remain in place for as long as needed, previously suggesting it could last until the end of 2025, while some defense officials have indicated that Israel’s presence might continue for many years.

Call for Complete Demilitarization in Southern Syria

“We will not permit HTS forces or the new Syrian army to encroach upon the territory south of Damascus. We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, specifically in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida,” Netanyahu declared during a ceremony with his cabinet members.

He further stated, “We will not tolerate any threats posed to the Druze community in southern Syria.”

Ahmer al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria, has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to the 1974 Israel-Syria armistice while calling for the IDF’s withdrawal from Syrian territory.

Currently, there are indications that the European Union might pressure Israel for withdrawal, but the Trump administration has offered unequivocal support for Israel’s military presence in the region.

Most democratic nations are observing closely to determine whether al-Sharaa will pursue greater integration with the West and adopt democratic governance, or revert to his previous tendencies linked to his al-Qaeda background.