Israel Moves to Secure Border with “Sterile Defence Zone” Amid Intensified Airstrikes in Syria
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the creation of a “sterile defence zone” in southern Syria. The initiative aims to bolster national security without requiring a permanent troop presence. This development comes after a concentrated military campaign targeting Syria’s strategic weapons infrastructure.
In the past two days, Israeli forces launched over 350 airstrikes, targeting anti-aircraft systems, airfields, weapons production sites, and missile storage facilities. Naval missile strikes also disabled 15 Syrian naval vessels at Al-Bayda and Latakia ports. The military claims these actions have significantly depleted Syria’s ability to deploy advanced weaponry.
Securing Weapons from Extremist Groups
Israel justified the airstrikes as necessary to prevent sophisticated weapons from falling into the hands of rebel factions that toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Many of these groups are associated with al Qaeda or the Islamic State.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained:
“We are not seeking to meddle in Syria’s internal affairs, but safeguarding Israel’s security remains paramount. Strategic military capabilities left behind by the Syrian army had to be neutralized to prevent their misuse by extremist groups.”
Strategic Advances to Reinforce the Demilitarized Zone
After Assad’s flight, Israeli forces moved into areas within the demilitarized zone established following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Key positions, such as the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, were secured to maintain control of the region. Military representatives denied any substantial movement beyond the designated areas.
Responding to reports of Israeli forces advancing deeper into Syrian territory, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani clarified:
“We are not approaching Damascus or making any moves beyond specific operational needs.”
Temporary Intervention Amid Regional Unrest
The Defence Ministry described these measures as short-term, focused on border safety during a period of heightened regional instability. The operation’s scale mirrored recent campaigns in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah missile depots.
Israeli forces reported destroying critical military assets across Syria, including missile systems, drones, and air combat units. These strikes also targeted operational bases and airfields housing military helicopters, fighter jets, and tanks.
Managing Relations with Syrian Rebels
While Israel welcomed the fall of Assad, a long-time ally of Iran, it remains cautious about factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Despite HTS’s attempts to rebrand itself, its extremist origins linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State raise ongoing concerns.
Defence Minister Katz refrained from detailing the sterile defence zone’s scope but emphasized Israel’s commitment to securing its borders. Netanyahu added:
“We are open to relations with Syria’s future leadership. However, any threat posed by Iran’s influence or attacks on Israel will result in a decisive response.”
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