Israel expands ground incursions in Daraa and Quneitra, Syria

Israeli forces increased ground operations in southern Syria, entering villages in the Daraa and Quneitra governorates. Troops established temporary checkpoints, set up tents, and carried out house searches, while helicopter gunships and artillery fired on agricultural fields and village outskirts. No injuries were reported among civilians or Israeli troops.

Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the moves as a blatant breach of the 1974 Israel‑Syria disengagement agreement and called for UN action. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, the OIC and the Arab parliament, also denounced the incursions. Local residents protested by blocking roads and throwing stones, fearing displacement and loss of livelihood as farms are damaged.

Israel says the operations are security measures to prevent armed groups from approaching its border. The incidents come amid US‑mediated talks between Damascus and Jerusalem on border arrangements.