Following the collapse of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied a buffer zone in Syria.

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After the fall of the Syrian government in December 2024, Israel launched a military campaign to secure a new defensive perimeter. By declaring the 1974 disengagement agreement void, Israeli forces have expanded their presence, established new military outposts, and conducted hundreds of strikes to reshape the regional security landscape.

The Israeli military operation, codenamed Operation Arrow of Bashan, began on 8 December 2024, immediately following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Israeli forces crossed the ceasefire line into the demilitarized buffer zone near the Golan Heights, citing the need to prevent potential threats from the post-war power vacuum. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the situation as a unique opportunity to strengthen Israel’s security, declaring that the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement was no longer valid because Syrian forces had abandoned their posts.

By early 2025, the scope of the occupation had significantly widened. Israel announced plans to maintain control for an unlimited duration, aiming to establish a sterile security zone that extends beyond the original buffer. Strategic objectives include the destruction of Syrian heavy weaponry, the prevention of Iranian arms smuggling, and the establishment of contact with local Druze communities. As of February 2025, the IDF had confirmed the construction of at least nine military posts within Syrian territory, including positions on Mount Hermon and throughout the Quneitra Governorate.

The occupation has faced intense local and international scrutiny. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have engaged in the destruction of water and electricity infrastructure to pressure residents in border villages, leading to the displacement of over 100 families by mid-December 2024. While the Israeli government maintains that these actions are necessary to thwart terrorism and protect its borders, the campaign has triggered sporadic clashes with local resistance groups and widespread condemnation from Syrian leadership, who have demanded a full withdrawal despite the country's weakened military state.

The intensity of the conflict is reflected in the frequency of military activity. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project indicates that Israel carried out more than 600 attacks across Syria by December 2025, averaging nearly two strikes per day. As the situation evolves, Israel continues to reinforce its presence, deploying additional troops and advanced military technology to solidify its control over the newly occupied regions.

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