Israel’s Actions in Syrian Buffer Zone: Strategic Move or Violation?

Israel’s Actions in Syrian Buffer Zone: Strategic Move or Violation? \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria presents a dual-edged scenario for Israel: heightened security risks and potential strategic opportunities. Israel’s recent occupation of a U.N.-mandated buffer zone, framed as a defensive measure, has drawn sharp international criticism. The move reflects Israel’s broader concerns about Iranian influence and the threat posed by Hezbollah, as well as its commitment to border security.

Assad’s Downfall and Israel’s Strategic Buffer Zone Move: Quick Look

• Instability in Syria: Israel fears Syrian unrest spilling across its borders after Assad’s regime collapses.
• Buffer Zone Occupation: Temporary Israeli control of a 400-square-kilometer demilitarized area established post-1974 ceasefire.
• International Condemnation: Global criticism accusing Israel of violating treaties and exploiting Syrian chaos for territorial gains.
• Israel’s Broader Goals: Disruption of Iran’s weapons smuggling routes to Hezbollah via Syria.
• U.N. Response: Peacekeepers report violations; Security Council to address the matter at Russia’s request.
• Future Plans: Establishing a security zone and continuing preemptive strikes against threats in Syria.

Deep Look

Context of the Conflict

The downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad has thrown the region into uncertainty, with Israel adopting proactive measures to secure its borders amidst the chaos. Assad’s fall has weakened Syria’s central authority, leaving a vacuum that Israel fears could be exploited by hostile actors, including Iranian proxies and Hezbollah militants. For years, Iran has used Syria as a conduit to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, a threat Israel is determined to neutralize.

Israel’s Move into the Buffer Zone

Over the weekend, Israeli forces began advancing into a demilitarized buffer zone along the Syrian border, established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement mediated by the U.N. The 400-square-kilometer zone separates Syria from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, a territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed—a move unrecognized by most of the international community.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the action as a temporary defensive maneuver, aimed at preventing instability from spilling into Israel. He cited the abandonment of Syrian military positions near the border as a security risk, necessitating Israel’s intervention. Netanyahu also highlighted concerns that a repeat of previous attacks on U.N. peacekeepers by Syrian rebels could further destabilize the region.

International and Regional Reactions

The incursion has drawn sharp criticism. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s internal turmoil to expand its control over Syrian territory, violating international law. The U.N. also expressed concern, warning that Israel’s presence in the buffer zone constitutes a breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that peacekeepers from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) remain stationed in the region, but described the area as “tense.”

The U.N. Security Council is set to convene for discussions at Russia’s request, further highlighting the international implications of Israel’s actions.

Strategic Military Goals

Israel’s military leaders have underscored that the buffer zone seizure is not an act of aggression but a calculated step to secure its borders. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to establish a broader security zone beyond the buffer, targeting heavy artillery installations and curbing Iranian arms shipments through Syria.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revealed that Israeli strikes have targeted chemical weapons and long-range missile depots to prevent these assets from falling into the hands of hostile actors. While the exact timing of these operations remains undisclosed, such preemptive actions are expected to continue.

Tactical vs. Long-Term Strategy

Military analysts argue that Israel’s presence in the buffer zone is primarily a tactical move, driven by immediate security concerns rather than long-term territorial ambitions. According to Carmit Valensi of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, the operation is a response to the collapse of Syria’s army and the dynamic nature of the conflict along the border.

This is not the first time Israel has taken action in the buffer zone. Satellite imagery from earlier this year revealed construction projects by Israel along the border, with reports of occasional incursions into the demilitarized area. Such activities have further strained relations with the U.N. and neighboring states.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Efforts

In addition to military operations, Israel is leveraging soft power to strengthen its position in the region. Outreach to Syria’s Druze community—a religious minority with historical ties to Israel—is a key component of its strategy. Efforts to connect with moderate Syrian rebel groups are also underway, aimed at ensuring Iranian-backed factions do not reclaim lost territory.

Israel’s history of providing humanitarian aid to war-torn southern Syria through “Operation Good Neighbor” underscores its attempt to build non-diplomatic relationships in the region. Between 2013 and 2018, Israel supplied food, medicine, and other assistance to Syrian civilians, treating more than 4,000 wounded individuals in Israeli hospitals. These efforts may serve as a foundation for renewed engagement as the situation evolves.

Implications for Regional Stability

Israel’s actions in the buffer zone represent a delicate balance between addressing immediate security threats and managing long-term geopolitical repercussions. The occupation, though labeled as temporary, could exacerbate tensions with neighboring countries and provoke retaliatory measures from Syria or its allies.

As the region grapples with Assad’s fall, Israel’s strategy underscores its broader objective of countering Iranian influence and securing its borders. Continued strikes on strategic targets and diplomatic outreach are likely to remain central to Israel’s approach. However, the success of these measures will depend on maintaining international support and managing the delicate dynamics of the Syrian conflict.

More on World News