Israel Netanyahu calls for buffer zone as far as Damascus
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expects Syria to establish a "demilitarized buffer zone" extending from the capital Damascus to the Golan Heights annexed by Israel.
02.12.2025, 16:17
SDA
Netanyahu said this in a video message while visiting soldiers in a clinic who had recently been injured during an operation in Syria.
Following the fall of former long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad, Israel had deployed soldiers to the UN-controlled buffer zone between the Golan Heights annexed by Israel and Syrian-controlled territory, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. Israel's army will remain in this buffer zone "to ensure the security of Israeli citizens", Netanyahu continued. The foothills of the buffer zone lie around 50 kilometers from Damascus.
Following the Hamas massacre on October 7, Israel is determined to protect itself from attacks from areas close to the border and to prevent extremists hostile to Israel from settling there. Israel also wants to protect the Druze religious minority in the neighboring country, which Israel sees as allies. Israel's army regularly attacks targets in Syria, for example to destroy weapons depots or military equipment, according to its own statements.
Netanyahu: agreement with Syria possible
An agreement with Syria is possible, the Israeli head of government also emphasized. However, the prerequisite would be an understanding of Israel's "principles".
US President Donald Trump would like to see a normalization of relations between the two neighbouring countries, which have officially been at war since 1948. Trump also recently called on Israel to show restraint towards Syria.
Both countries are currently negotiating a security agreement. However, Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa recently ruled out a normalization of relations for the time being.
