Following a jihadist takeover of several Syrian areas, including Damascus,
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has deployed troops to its border with Syria to protect Israel and the Golan Heights. This deployment follows a significant jihadist advance across Syria.
In a Sunday statement, the IDF emphasized that its actions do not constitute interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
“The IDF will maintain its presence as needed to secure the buffer zone and defend Israel and its citizens,” the statement explained.
Reports indicate Israeli tanks have entered the buffer zone near Quneitra, close to the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967. The Times of Israel reported artillery strikes in the area, though targets remain unconfirmed. RT cited local sources reporting Israeli patrols in Khan Arnabah, Quneitra province, resulting in one fatality.
Israel has a history of airstrikes in Syria, frequently targeting border crossings and urban areas, purportedly to counter Iranian military operations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei claimed on Monday that the current jihadist offensive in Syria is a US-Israel coordinated operation, suggesting the timing of the attacks in northern Syria following an Israeli ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah is not coincidental.
The Syrian situation is rapidly evolving as jihadist groups, such as Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham, consolidate control over key regions after entering Damascus on Saturday.