Tel aviv: The recent Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase has spotlighted the increasing military incursions by Israel into Syrian territory. In southern Syria, local residents have reported detentions by Israeli troops, destruction of infrastructure, and the establishment of military bases.
According to Deutsche Welle, the case of Syrian teenager Saddam, who was taken by Israeli soldiers from farmland near the Golan Heights, underscores the growing tensions. Saddam's father, Ahmad Hassan al-Din, recounted how his son was seized by Israeli troops despite possessing a United Nations permit to work in the buffer zone. Al-Din captured the incident on video, which has been verified by multiple sources.
Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has taken control of the UN-patrolled demilitarized zone, citing security concerns. The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) reported that Israel has established ten military bases in the area, conducting frequent incursions into Syrian provinces like Daraa and Quneitra. These operations often involve setting up temporary checkpoints and collecting biometric data from civilians.
The impact on local communities has been severe. Residents report that Israeli forces have seized livestock, destroyed water sources, and demolished buildings. Mousa Khalil, a resident of Quneitra, described the destruction of his home by Israeli troops, highlighting the dire economic consequences for affected families.
The frequency of Israeli incursions has increased recently, with the Sijil Center recording an average of 48 incidents per week in 2025. The center also noted that around 200 Syrians have been detained since December 2024, with a small number remaining in Israeli custody.
Experts and human rights organizations have condemned these actions as potential breaches of international law. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have characterized Israel's actions as possible war crimes.
Israeli officials justify their actions by citing threats from terrorist organizations and militias in the region. However, local residents and analysts suggest that Israel's motives may also include strategic interests, such as control over water resources and surveillance advantages.
Negotiations to reinstate the 1974 disengagement agreement have stalled, and Israeli military activities continue unabated. Analysts argue that Israel's actions reflect a broader strategy of maintaining dominance in the region, often at the expense of international law and local sovereignty.