Israel’s Netanyahu Rejects Calls for Withdrawal from Israeli-Occupied Syrian Territories

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel's military will not withdraw from territories occupied in southern Syria. Speaking at a conference that included Israeli ambassadors, mission heads, and Foreign Ministry officials, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's stance on maintaining control over areas occupied following the fall of the Baath regime in Syria on December 8, 2024. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preserving strategic assets in the region, specifically mentioning Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon) and the buffer zone adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel has held since 1967. Netanyahu expressed hope for reaching an agreement with the Damascus administration to demilitarize southern Syria. Following the collapse of the 61-year Baath regime on December 8, 2024, Israeli military operations against Syria intensified, with clashes escalating from November 27 of the same year. Israel initiated the destruction of military infrastructure left by the regime forces and expanded its occupation in the Syrian Golan Heights. The Israeli forces advanced into the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, extending their occupation to within 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of Damascus. Since 1967, Israel has occupied the Golan Heights, with a 1974 disengagement agreement establishing borders for the buffer and demilitarized zones. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has previously stated that no agreement with Israel will be possible until Israel withdraws from Syrian territory.