Israel Expands Military Operations into Southern Syria

Israeli forces target military sites and establish a buffer zone, citing security concerns as Syria's new government condemns the actions.

Israeli airstrikes hit military targets in southern Syria, including sites near Damascus and in Daraa province, as part of a new policy to 'pacify' the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the demilitarization of southern Syria, vowing to prevent threats from the new Syrian government or militant groups like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Syria's new government, led by former Islamist rebels, has condemned the incursions as violations of sovereignty but lacks the military capacity to respond effectively.
The Israeli military has stationed troops in a U.N.-monitored buffer zone and beyond, a move criticized by the U.N. and regional actors like Iran and Turkey.
The strikes and continued Israeli presence complicate Syria's political transition and provoke protests, while Israel maintains its actions are necessary for national security.