Israel won’t allow Syria military forces south of Damascus: Netanyahu
Al JazeeraFEB 26
Netanyahu: Southern Syria Must Be Demilitarized
Above: Syrian army soldiers conduct an operation against elements of the former government, targeting drug traffickers and arms smugglers in the city of Daraa, Syria on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Muhammed Malik Hattab/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's military presence in southern Syria is essential for maintaining regional stability and protecting Israeli communities and vulnerable populations like the Druze from potential threats. Hostile forces will be prevented from establishing themselves near Israeli territory.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel is exploiting Syria's political transition to make territorial gains, violating international agreements and Syrian sovereignty by establishing military positions in the UN-monitored buffer zone and conducting unauthorized airstrikes against Syrian assets. This is an occupation that Syrians will work to end.