Israel Seizes UN Buffer Zone and Establishes Syrian Bases

The Israeli Defense Forces have seized control of the UN-patrolled demilitarized zone in southern Syria, establishing 10 military bases following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. The military now conducts near-daily incursions into the Daraa and Quneitra provinces, utilizing armored patrols, home raids, and biometric data collection. According to the Sijil Center, there have been 1,632 incursions since the start of 2026, with approximately 200 Syrian civilians detained since late 2024.

These operations escalated after the Cabinet of Israel voided the 1974 disengagement agreement. Diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States to reactivate the agreement failed in late 2025. Tensions further intensified on August 19, 2026, when Israeli jets bombed the Abu Duhur military air base in northern Syria.

Israel justifies the expansion as a necessary measure to prevent smuggling and terrorist activity. Conversely, the Government of Syria and various human rights organizations describe the operations as breaches of international law and possible war crimes. Syrian officials state that while they remain open to negotiations, Israel has pursued an expansionist policy and walked away from security deals.