Israeli PM confirms military presence in southern Syria for foreseeable future

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israeli military forces will remain stationed in southern Syria for an indefinite period.

While speaking via satellite at a Washington conference organised by the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, Netanyahu emphasised that Israeli troops would continue to hold positions at the summit of Mount Hermon, known locally as Jabal al-Sheikh, in the occupied Golan Heights, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Netanyahu's statements came as part of a broader plan to maintain control over the surrounding buffer zone. He made it clear that Israel would not allow the presence of militant groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or any new Syrian military forces south of Damascus.

The prime minister also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that southern Syria will be a demilitarized zone. Further elaborating on the situation, Netanyahu stressed Israel's commitment to protecting the Druze community in southern Syria.

He specifically warned against any threats to this community and vowed that the Israeli army would continue to operate in the buffer zone and on the Syrian Mount Hermon "Jabal al-Sheikh" for an unlimited period of time. Netanyahu also described his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump as the most significant of all his encounters with the White House leader. 

During a press conference, Netanyahu highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, stating, "The alliance between the US and Israel is stronger than ever." Netanyahu also took the opportunity to thank President Trump for facilitating new arms shipments to Israel, further cementing the strategic relationship between the two countries. 

As for the topic of Israeli military actions in the occupied West Bank, the prime minister confirmed that military operations, including raids on refugee camps, would continue. He made it clear that these operations were intended to be long-term, signaling Israel's ongoing commitment to maintaining security in the region.

Netanyahu's comments come just days after he made controversial statements about Israeli military presence in Syria. His remarks, made on February 23, sparked widespread outrage among the Syrian population, further complicating the already tense situation in the region.

By Naila Huseynova