Israel's Demands Challenge New Syrian Leadership for Demilitarisation of South

In a strategic shift, Israel has reiterated its stance on regional security, calling for the complete demilitarisation of southern Syria, setting the stage for potential conflict with the new Syrian authorities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated tensions in the region by demanding the complete demilitarisation of southern Syria in response to the political shifts following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad. During a speech to military cadets, Netanyahu declared that Israeli forces would continue to occupy territories seized from Syria indefinitely as a means to prevent extremist groups from posing threats in the area.

Netanyahu explicitly stated that no forces from the newly formed Syrian army or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group responsible for ousting Assad, would be permitted to operate south of Damascus. He expressed concerns regarding the Druze community's safety and reiterated Israel's stance on maintaining security within the contentious regions of Quneitra, Deraa, and Suweida.

This announcement marks a significant change in Israel's approach, as previous operations were often framed as temporary measures for self-defense in a UN-monitored buffer zone. The implied permanence of Israeli military presence suggests a shifting dynamic concerning Syria's internal governance and security.

On the other hand, new Syrian leadership under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has attempted to ease Israeli fears by advocating for the longstanding disengagement agreement established after the 1973 war. Sharaa emphasized his commitment to ensuring Syria would not serve as a launchpad for attacks against Israel, while simultaneously calling for Israeli withdrawal from the recently occupied buffer zones.

Despite these reassurances, Netanyahu's evident mistrust looms large, and he waits to see whether Sharaa will enact his conciliatory rhetoric. The conflict over foreign influence in Syria, especially in light of previous powers such as Iran and Russia, complicates the matter further. The influence of Turkey, which aided HTS in their swift campaign against Assad, may also play a pivotal role in determining future scenarios in post-Assad Syria.

The challenge posed by Israeli demands could ultimately undermine Sharaa's interests to present a unified and sovereign Syria. As Israel conducts military operations and positions troops along its border, Damascus may find it increasingly difficult to validate its leadership amidst external pressures, complicating the quest for sovereignty and peace.