On December 8, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has instructed the military to seize the buffer zone with Syria and nearby strategic sites. During a visit near the Syrian border, Netanyahu declared, “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our borders,” according to Israeli media reports.

He stated that the 1974 disengagement agreement has collapsed, with Syrian troops abandoning their positions. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will closely monitor developments in Syria and take necessary actions to protect its borders and ensure its security.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed earlier in the day that troops would be deployed in a UN-monitored buffer zone along the Syrian border to protect residents of the Golan Heights. He asserted, “Israel is determined to ensure security in the Golan Heights.”

Israeli military radio reported that the cabinet decided to occupy the Syrian Mount Hermon area and create a buffer zone following the withdrawal of Syrian soldiers. Additionally, it was noted that Israel is preparing for ongoing strikes in Syria to prevent the transfer of strategic weapons to opposition forces.

In recent days, Israeli media indicated that Tel Aviv was bracing for the potential fall of Assad’s regime, with the security cabinet convening three times in three days—a rare occurrence. Military correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth reported that some Israeli forces were moved to the Golan Heights in response to the unfolding situation in Syria.

According to Amira Bahbut of Walla News, the 210th Division is reinforcing its troops along the northern front with Syria, deploying combat formations of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery to prepare for potential scenarios. The military is preparing on land, sea, air, and through intelligence gathering, amid concerns in Tel Aviv over opposition forces gaining control in southern Syria, potentially bringing hostile elements closer to Israel.

Israel Hayom revealed that Tel Aviv is working to prevent Syrian military stockpiles from falling into the hands of armed opposition, fearing they could be used against Israel in the future.

In related news, Israeli public broadcasting reported that Israel struck a scientific research center in the secure zone of Damascus, where chemical weapons and ballistic missile programs are believed to be managed. Airstrikes also targeted the Mezzeh district of the Syrian capital.

Al Jazeera reported that fires broke out following explosions in the secure zone of Damascus near previous command structures of the Syrian army. According to Reuters, security sources from Lebanon and Syria stated that the airstrikes on the Mezzeh district were suspected to be Israeli.

Sources also indicated that Israeli aircraft struck the Khalkhalah airbase in southern Syria, which had been evacuated by Syrian forces overnight, with at least six strikes hitting the main airbase located north of Sweida, which contained a significant stockpile of munitions left behind by Syrian troops.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that the Israeli military targeted weapon depots in southern Syria and near Damascus airport to prevent arms from reaching militants.

This escalation follows the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime early Sunday, as opposition forces took control of Damascus after a series of successful campaigns in regions like Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Daraa, Sweida, and finally, Damascus.