Netanyahu declares demilitarisation of southern Syria to begin occupation of three southern regions

By Elijah J. Magnier

In a major policy shift, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will enforce the complete demilitarisation of three southern Syrian governorates – Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda. His comments, made at a military graduation ceremony, signal Israel’s intention to tighten its grip and expand its occupation of more Syrian territory amid ongoing military operations. Netanyahu expressed particular concern for the Druze population of Suwayda – without any justification. A few hours later, Israeli occupation tanks entered Daraa province and advanced towards the predominantly Druze province of Suwayda. Druze leaders have condemned ‘any external interference’ in Syria’s sovereignty, but feel very limited in confronting the superior force of the occupiers.

Netanyahu’s promise to secure southern Syria

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, Syria’s southern regions have become a focal point for Israel’s expansionist plans and a compensation for the Israeli government’s failure to achieve its goals in Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not tolerate the presence of the new Syrian army or other groups south of Damascus, the same groups that Israel supported during the Assad regime and provided military, intelligence and medical aid to for years.