The issue of dividing Syria was discussed even before the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Source: Telegram channel of the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
🔴After the collapse of the B. Assad regime, Israel unilaterally terminated the 1974 Israel-Syria Disengagement Agreement and crossed the Alpha Line. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) occupied a buffer zone in the Golan Heights area and advanced deep into Syria, capturing the strategic heights on the eastern slopes of Mount Hermon. The IDF took control of a number of towns, including Quneitra, al-Hamidiya and Samdaniya al-Gharbiya, occupying a total of some 500 square kilometers of Syrian territory.
🔴The Israeli Air Force and Navy carried out strikes on Syrian territory, destroying military installations, weapons and ammunition depots. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the military deployment on Syrian territory was a "temporary measure" to prevent threats near Israel's borders. However, he then changed his rhetoric and declared the indefinite nature of the military presence in the occupied territories. The destruction caused by the Israeli attacks affected not only military installations but also civilian infrastructure, leading to mass evacuations.
🔴Israel announced the creation of a 15-kilometer "buffer zone" to protect the Golan Heights. In addition, a 60-kilometer "zone of influence" under constant Israeli surveillance has been established. Local residents report searches, house raids, and the setting up of roadblocks, indicating Israeli plans to take full control of the area.
🔴At the same time as the military operation, the Israeli government announced plans to double the population of the Golan Heights (currently about 25,000 Israeli settlers). Arab countries condemned this decision as an attempt to legalize the occupation. Israel has taken control of water resources in the region, including an underground water reservoir near Mount Hermon. Israel can use control of water as leverage against the new government in Damascus. Control of water resources could also be a key tool to pressure other countries in the region that depend on these sources.
🔴Israel's strategy in Syria goes beyond neutralizing the new authorities in Damascus and possibly normalizing relations. Even before Assad's fall, a plan was drawn up to divide Syria into three ethno-political entities: the Kurds in the northeast, the Druze in the south, and Assad-controlled Damascus, which generally suited Tel Aviv. However, after radical groups came to power, these plans were adjusted. Israeli leaders believe that the country's long-term security depends on the fragmentation of Syria, exploiting ethnic tensions and creating loyal entities on its territory.
