‘Demilitarization of Southern Syria’: Israel Expands on post-Assad Plans

Latest Developments

• Israel Sets Demands for Syrian Transitional Government: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  briefed Israel’s strategic objectives after 16 months of regional warfare to graduates of an IDF combat course on February 23. On Syria, he said “We will not allow the forces of the HTS organization or of the army of the new Syria to enter the territory south of Damascus.” Further, Israel demands “complete demilitarization” — referring to the new transitional government led by ex-HTS rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa since toppling the Assad regime in December 2024 — “of southern Syria,” an area including the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda.
• Looking out for the Druze: “We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria,” Netanyahu said in his speech. The Druze community primarily resides in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan. Israel’s loyal Druze minority has provided a bridge to their coreligionists living across the northern border in Syria.
• Open-Ended Buffer Zone: Netanyahu explained during his address that Israeli troops will stay in the expanded buffer zone east of the Golan Heights indefinitely. An Israeli journalist who visited the buffer zone reported on February 11 that the IDF is constructing outposts and working to prevent potential threats while enabling Syrian civilians to go about their lives. The reporter also observed that Jordanian forces on the kingdom’s northern border with Syria are in coordination with IDF forces there.  

FDD Expert Response

“The October 7 attack was designed to tighten the noose around Israel from all fronts and destroy it through a multi-front invasion by Iran-backed terror armies. But now, Israel is pushing back — securing all its borders with reinforced buffer zones that leave less room for future incursions.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“Southern Syria has been a major concern for Israel since Hezbollah intervened to support former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. The terrorist group established a military presence, created militias like the Golan File units, and, along with its Iranian backers, used the area for weapons and drug smuggling. Israel’s concerns are valid given the region’s proximity to its borders. The challenge now is how the new Syrian government will handle this while trying to consolidate power. Keeping the area demilitarized may cause internal tensions that could be interpreted as a sign of weakness to be exploited by those who oppose the new Syrian leadership.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Profiles of foreign commanders in the new Syrian army,” by Ahmad Sharawi

“Syria’s National Dialogue Committee: A Facade of Inclusivity,” Ahmad Sharawi

“Syria’s New Rulers Call for UN Peacekeepers Along Syria-Israel Border,” FDD Flash Brief “Israel Secures Its Interests In Syria,” by David Daoud