Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the military to establish complete control over the buffer zone between Israel and Syria.
The announcement was accompanied by orders to create a “security zone free of strategic weapons and terrorist infrastructure” in southern Syria. This zone extends beyond the buffer zone itself and targets areas that could pose a threat to Israel.
In his statement, Katz emphasized the need to “immediately prevent and disrupt the resumption of arms smuggling routes from Iran to Lebanon through Syria, including on Syrian territory and at border crossings.” This directive highlights Israel’s continued efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region.
Katz further affirmed that operations to destroy “strategic weapons” in Syria will persist. These include stockpiles of surface-to-air missiles, air defense systems, cruise and ballistic missiles, long-range rockets, and coastal missile systems. The ongoing efforts reflect Israel’s commitment to neutralizing potential threats from advanced weaponry in the hands of hostile actors.
As part of this initiative, Katz has instructed the military to engage with local communities in southern Syria, including the Druze community. This outreach aims to foster cooperation and address regional stability. In this context, the head of Israeli military intelligence (AMAN), Shlomi Binder, met with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif to discuss the evolving situation in Syria.
Israel’s intensified focus on southern Syria comes amid heightened regional tensions and the strategic importance of preventing the transfer of weapons that could undermine its security.