Tue Feb 25 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Israel Vows Indefinite Military Presence in Southern Syria, Defying Damascus
**JERUSALEM (AP) –** Israel has declared it will maintain an indefinite military presence in southern Syria, rejecting calls from Damascus to withdraw its forces from the area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel will not permit the newly established Syrian army or the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) insurgent group to operate south of Damascus.
Netanyahu’s announcement, made during a military graduation ceremony, follows the December ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the subsequent establishment of a new Syrian government. The Israeli government’s decision has raised concerns about its growing influence in Syrian territory.
Defense Minister Israel Katz elaborated that Israeli forces will remain stationed on Mount Hermon and within a buffer zone, citing the need to protect Israeli communities and prevent threats. He confirmed the construction of nine new Israeli military posts in the area.
Israel’s occupation of the UN-patrolled buffer zone, established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement, has drawn condemnation from both the new Syrian authorities and UN officials, who have demanded an Israeli withdrawal.
The Israeli government is also focusing on protecting the Druze community in southern Syria, stating it will not tolerate threats against them. This pledge is coupled with plans to strengthen ties with Druze populations in the region.
Israel’s assertive stance underlines its determination to maintain control over a significant swathe of southern Syria, despite international pressure and the efforts of the new Syrian government to assert its authority nationwide. The move is expected to further complicate already strained relations between Israel and Syria.
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