The Israeli army, which entered the buffer zone in Syrian territory shortly after the overthrow of the Baathist regime in Syria, is signaling a long-term presence in the region. Amid accelerating ceasefire negotiations, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has announced that Israel will maintain security control in Gaza, mirroring its approach in the West Bank.
Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the continuation of the occupation of the buffer zone on Mount Hermon, initiated after the fall of the Baath regime, until the end of next year. While officials initially described the occupation as temporary, subsequent reports indicate plans to extend it through the winter months and potentially beyond.
According to a report on Channel 12 News, Netanyahu instructed the Israeli army to maintain its occupation in the buffer zone on Mount Hermon until the end of 2025. His visit to the area yesterday, alongside Defense Minister Katz and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, underscored the government’s commitment to the region. In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the occupation would persist “until an arrangement is found to ensure Israel’s security.”
Defense Minister Katz further instructed the army to fortify the region, describing Mount Hermon as “the eye of the State of Israel.” This position reflects a broader strategy of long-term security control.
The incursion into the buffer zone, established under a 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria with United Nations peacekeepers, has faced widespread condemnation. Countries including France, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Jordan have criticized the move as a violation of international law and Syria’s territorial integrity. Israel contends that the agreement is no longer valid due to the Syrian army’s withdrawal from posts following the collapse of the Damascus government.
In Gaza, Defense Minister Katz has stated that Israel will maintain security control over the region after dismantling Hamas’ military and governmental infrastructure. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Katz clarified that Israel’s approach to Gaza would mirror its strategy in the occupied West Bank. The West Bank, while partially administered by the Palestinian Authority, remains under tight Israeli security control, with frequent military operations.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza have been hindered by disputes over Israel’s insistence on maintaining forces in key areas. According to The Wall Street Journal, both Palestinians and some Israelis have expressed concerns that “security control” may evolve into a prolonged military occupation.
Members of Netanyahu’s Likud party and allied coalition groups have advocated for tighter control in Gaza, including the establishment of Jewish settlements. The construction of a vast security corridor, referred to as Netzarim, has further heightened tensions. This infrastructure includes military bases, checkpoints, and other installations, effectively dividing Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has repeatedly ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, violates international law. The ICJ has stated that such occupations must remain temporary and outlined the legal responsibilities of an occupying power toward the population.
Diana Buttu, a former legal adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), told The Wall Street Journal that Katz’s comments, combined with Israel’s ongoing construction of military infrastructure, signal a shift toward “outright military control” over Palestinian lives in Gaza.
