Tel Aviv, Israel – December 11: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied claims that its troops are advancing toward Damascus, refuting media reports of incursions beyond the buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border.
“Reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that IDF forces are advancing or approaching Damascus are completely incorrect,” tweeted Col. Avichah Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson. “IDF forces are present inside the buffer zone and at defensive points close to the border to protect the Israeli border.”
Media Claims and IDF’s Response
The IDF’s statement contradicted a Reuters report suggesting that Israeli troops had reached Qatana, a Syrian village located 10 kilometers inside the border, and were within 25 kilometers of Damascus.
Israel’s deployment into the 235 sq. km demilitarized buffer zone, coordinated with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), aims to prevent Syrian rebels from nearing the Israeli border. The buffer zone, established in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War, is being monitored for the first time by Israeli forces, though officials assert the move is not intended to be permanent.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Assets
Amid the collapse of the Assad government, the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive strikes on Syrian military facilities, arms depots, and key infrastructure to prevent them from falling into the hands of Islamist rebels. Targeted sites reportedly include:
- Chemical weapons production facilities.
- Precision missile production facilities.
- Sites operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah used for smuggling weapons into Lebanon.
Reports suggest that Israel has struck as many as 300 targets over the past two days.
Engagement with Syrian Minorities
In addition to military operations, Israel has initiated efforts to engage with Syrian minorities, including Druze communities in southern Syria and Syrian Kurds. This outreach aims to stabilize the region and foster goodwill with communities affected by the ongoing civil war.
Strategic Context
The deployment marks the first time Israeli forces have set up positions within the demilitarized zone. While temporary, it underscores Israel’s proactive stance in safeguarding its border amid escalating chaos in Syria.
The IDF’s actions reflect broader concerns about regional stability, with the collapse of the Assad government creating a power vacuum that could embolden extremist groups. Israel’s simultaneous military and diplomatic efforts highlight its multi-pronged approach to addressing the evolving crisis.
