What it’s about

In a recent press conference, Syria’s new leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa criticized Israel’s presence in the buffer zone between Syria and Israel. Al-Sharaa claimed that there’s no longer an Iranian presence in the buffer zone, which was previously a major security contention for Israel. He, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, called for Israel’s withdrawal.

Why it matters

Israel’s movement into the buffer zone is a reflection of its steadfast commitment to national security in the face of severe regional instability. With years of hostility and conflict along the border, it’s crucial to remember that Iran—an openly hostile entity to Israel—historically used Syria as a strategic gateway to bolster its chief ally, Hezbollah. The vacillation pertaining to Iranian presence is therefore critical in understanding Israel’s positioning.

Israel’s Perspective

While Damascus alleges eradicated Iranian influences, Israel’s security concerns are rooted in repeated trends of arms shipment through Syria to dangerous proxies. The presence in the buffer zone was catalyzed by Assad’s downfall, which created a volatile environment risking mishaps leading to extremists gaining ground or arms critical for destabilization.

Historical Context

After the Yom Kippur War, the 1974 Israel-Syria disengagement agreement established a UN-monitored demilitarized zone. This historically ensured quiet periods until recent conflicts, spurred by entities challenging the status quo in the region.

Big Picture

In essence, security measures around Israeli actions within the demilitarized zones go beyond opportunism or insecurity. They reflect responses conducive to maintaining regional balance when keen threats loom, a balance that’s disrupted by groups radicalized under past oppression and alliances—with nations championing nascent peace periods further illustrating Israel’s ranking security on par with peace propositions.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.