Israeli forces invade Syrian buffer zone to stop rebel threats

In December 2023, Israeli forces entered the 235 square kilometer demilitarized buffer zone established by the 1974 ceasefire agreement after the collapse of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria. This move was aimed at preventing Syrian rebels from advancing towards the Israeli border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), specifically the Mountain Brigade, discovered military structures, control points, and a notable cache of various weapons including rockets, launchers, anti-tank missiles, and mines on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. The operational involvement of the IDF in the demilitarized zone was executed in coordination with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with UNDOF commanders to discuss the situation. This development signifies a substantial shift as it marks the first time since the establishment of the demilitarized zone that Israeli military positions have been set up there, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the surrounding region and the implications for international peace efforts. Since its establishment in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War, the demilitarized zone was intended to foster stability and peace between Israel and Syria. However, the ongoing civil conflict in Syria has eroded that stability, prompting Israel to adjust its military engagement policies. Israeli officials have declared their intent to maintain their presence in the area, emphasizing the need to safeguard the border from potential threats posed by various militant groups. The discovery of this weapons cache underscores ongoing concerns regarding military activity and the proliferation of arms in the region, as well as the potential for increased tensions between Israel, Syria, and other involved international actors. The situation remains fluid as Israel continues to evaluate its options for securing its borders and dealing with threats arising from a chaotic neighbor.