Israel Implements 'Secure Defense Zone' in Southern Syria, Says Defense Minister
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Jerusalem, Dec 10 (NationPress) Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday that Israel is in the process of creating a secure defense zone in southern Syria to deter hostile entities from approaching its borders.
During a visit to the Navy base in Haifa, Katz mentioned that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to set up this zone, which is intended to be free of weapons and armed threats and will be established without a permanent Israeli presence.
Details about the exact boundaries of the zone or the operations planned by Israel for its establishment were not disclosed, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Katz further indicated that Israeli forces are currently finalizing their deployment in the buffer zone and other strategic areas to safeguard the Golan Heights and its citizens. The goal is to preempt hostile factions from consolidating near Israel’s border following the potential downfall of Bashar al-Assad.
On Tuesday, Israel continued its strikes on Syrian army installations after a significant overnight operation targeting the Syrian fleet in Mina al-Bayda Bay and the port of Latakia along the Syrian coast. The IDF reported that numerous vessels equipped with dozens of sea-to-sea missiles were destroyed. According to military sources, Israel has executed approximately 250 airstrikes in Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime.
The IDF refuted claims that Israeli troops had advanced within 25 kilometers of Damascus.
In comments aimed at Mohammed al-Bashir and Syria's newly formed transitional government, Katz cautioned against emulating Assad's approach or maintaining ties with Iran. 'We will not permit an extremist Islamic entity to operate against Israel beyond its borders and jeopardize its citizens,' Katz asserted. 'We will take all necessary measures to eliminate the threat.'
The buffer zone is a demilitarized area established by the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israeli and Syrian forces.
This incursion has faced backlash from neighboring countries, including Iran, Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with the international community urging respect for Syria's sovereignty.
