Israel Holds the Line: No Withdrawal from Syrian Buffer Zone

Israel is holding firm on its northern border, prioritizing national survival over diplomatic illusions. American officials now assess that normalization with Syria before Israel's October elections is highly unlikely. The reason is clear: Israel refuses to surrender the strategic buffer zone it secured after the collapse of the Assad regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz are drawing a hard line, ensuring the IDF retains the high ground.

Why is Israel refusing to withdraw from the Syrian buffer zone?

The buffer zone was established after the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, a direct result of the hard-fought Yom Kippur War. When Bashar al-Assad's regime collapsed in late 2024, the Syrian state lost its ability to enforce the accord. Israel acted swiftly and decisively. IDF forces moved into the UN-monitored zone and adjacent strategic positions to prevent hostile actors from exploiting the vacuum. As the watchmen of old guarded the high places of the Land, the IDF today holds the heights of Mount Hermon to protect the communities below.

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed this unwavering stance on Monday.