Israel military presence in southern Syria

Following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has transitioned from temporary incursions to establishing a permanent military presence in southern Syria. This expansion includes the implementation of the “New East” engineering project, which involves constructing trenches and high earth berms from Majdal Shams to the southern border triangle. As of August 2026, the project is reportedly 80% complete, despite delays caused by military operations in Lebanon.

Israel has unilaterally declared the collapse of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and has established at least ten new bases in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces. In the Yarmouk Basin and Wadi Al-Raqqad, Israeli forces have resumed road construction and maintained control over the El-Mantarah dam. Military activity includes regular patrols, the use of armored vehicles in villages like Al-Samadaniyah al-Sharqiyah, and the installation of electro-optical surveillance cameras.

Beyond physical fortifications, Israel is expanding its influence through intelligence-gathering and local engagement. This includes recruiting local cells to identify weapon locations and conducting biometric profiling. Israel has also been observed offering services like well-drilling and material aid amidst Syria’s economic instability.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns regarding potential violations of international law, citing the confiscation of agricultural land and the detention of Syrian civilians. While Israel maintains these actions are necessary to secure the border and prevent terrorist activities, Syrian authorities continue to demand a full withdrawal from the occupied territories.