Israeli Forces Advance in Southern Syria
Israeli forces have conducted a new military operation in the Quneitra governorate of Syria’s occupied Golan Heights, setting up two checkpoints in the villages of Ain Ziwan and al-Ajraf, according to on-the-ground reports from Al Jazeera.
The incursion on Saturday marks the latest in a series of near-daily Israeli operations in southern Syria, which have included arrests, land bulldozing, and checkpoint construction, drawing growing anger from local populations.
Syrian Response and Public Protests
Syrian state television denounced the raid as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. The army reportedly used five military vehicles to establish the checkpoint in Ain Ziwan.
The incursion follows similar Israeli advances on Friday toward the towns of al-Asha, Bir Ajam, Bariqa, Umm al-Azam, and Ruwayhina, according to the Syrian News Agency (SANA).
Dozens of Syrians protested the incursions in the city of al-Salam, under the banner of “Syrians with Palestine,” condemning repeated Israeli violations of Syrian lands and civilian property.
Escalating Israeli Attacks
Despite a reduction in direct military threats, Israel continues air raids and artillery attacks across Syria, targeting Syrian army sites and facilities, sometimes causing civilian casualties.
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), Israel has carried out more than 600 air, drone, or artillery attacks across Syria over the past year, averaging nearly two attacks daily.
Israeli operations have intensified since President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in December 2024, with incursions described as more frequent, brazen, and violent.
Disregard for 1974 Disengagement Agreement
Following al-Assad’s removal, Israel declared the 1974 Disengagement Agreement—which established a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights—void.
Citing the collapse of Syrian authority in southern Syria, Israel has expanded its occupation, conducting air raids, ground incursions, reconnaissance flights, checkpoint establishment, and arrests. Syria has not retaliated militarily, but officials stress the actions violate international law and hinder regional stability.
In September, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reported that Israel had executed over 1,000 air attacks and more than 400 ground incursions since al-Assad’s ouster, calling the activities “very dangerous” for regional security and economic recovery.
Local Impact and Humanitarian Concerns
Al Jazeera correspondents visiting Quneitra in recent weeks highlighted the human cost of Israeli operations, including abductions, property destruction, and fear among local residents. These ongoing violations exacerbate instability and threaten efforts to restore normalcy and improve the economic situation in southern Syria.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Syria and Israel are currently engaged in talks aimed at restoring a version of the 1974 disengagement deal. The discussions focus on halting Israeli air raids and withdrawing Israeli troops from southern Syria.
The United States has played a key role in pushing diplomatic initiatives, seeking to stabilize the border region and prevent further escalation in the conflict.
Conclusion: Rising Tensions in the Golan Heights
The latest Israeli raids in Quneitra underline the continuing volatility of the Syria-Israel border. With frequent incursions, checkpoints, and airstrikes, local populations remain at risk, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a sustainable peace agreement.
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