Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel's military will not withdraw from the territories it occupied in southern Syria. He made this statement during a conference attended by Israeli ambassadors, mission heads, and Foreign Ministry officials, emphasizing Israel's intention to maintain control over these areas.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu's comments come in the wake of the fall of the Baath regime in Syria on December 8, 2024. Netanyahu highlighted the strategic importance of areas such as Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon) and the buffer zone adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, territories Israel has controlled since 1967. He expressed hope for a potential agreement with the Damascus administration to demilitarize southern Syria.

The collapse of the Baath regime led to intensified Israeli military actions in Syria. Following the increase in clashes starting November 27, Israeli forces began dismantling military infrastructure left by the regime and expanded their occupation in the Syrian Golan Heights. The Israeli military pushed into the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, advancing their position to within 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of Damascus.

Israel has maintained its hold on the Golan Heights since 1967, with a 1974 disengagement agreement establishing the borders for buffer and demilitarized zones. Despite these efforts, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has stated that Syria will not agree to any terms until Israel withdraws from Syrian territory.