Israel-Syria border tensions

Tensions have escalated between Syria and Israel following high-level Israeli visits to the southern Syrian border region and Mount Hermon.

In late August, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Defense Minister Israel Katz for entering the buffer zone, labeling the visit an “illegal incursion” and a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Katz maintained that the Israeli military would not vacate the security zone due to persistent jihadist threats.

By early September, the situation intensified when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Katz, visited the Mount Hermon area to inspect military forces. Netanyahu stated the mission was to ensure the “collapse of the Iranian-led axis.” Damascus reiterated its condemnation, asserting that these movements increase regional instability. The United Nations and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria have expressed concern regarding Israeli military infrastructure and patrols in southern Syria, while Israel maintains these actions are security necessities following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024.