WP: Israel is establishing outposts in the buffer zone along its border with Syria.

In January, Israeli military forces entered several Syrian villages in the Golan Heights. Israel justified its actions by citing the need to protect the northern regions of the country following the fall of former President Bashar Assad's regime in Syria and the rise of anti-government groups led by "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham," which is recognized as a terrorist organization in many countries around the world.

Journalists from The Washington Post analyzed satellite images from December 20 of last year to January 21, 2025, and discovered dozens of structures at an Israeli base enclosed by a wall near the settlement of Jubata al-Khashab.

Just a few kilometers to the south is another Israeli base, and further south is a cleared area that could become the site for a third military installation. The new outposts are connected by dirt roads to Israeli-controlled territory in the Golan Heights, the publication states.

Additionally, Israeli forces have set up checkpoints, blocked roads, and opened fire towards demonstrators protesting their presence.

The Israeli army stated that it operates in the buffer zone and strategic locations temporarily and exclusively to protect the residents of northern Israel. The firing by the IDF was explained as standard security procedures after demonstrators were asked to step away from the soldiers.

The buffer zone also includes a dam that supplies water to southern Syria. Local residents are growing suspicious that Israel aims to gain control over water and other resources in the region. The Israeli army claims it does not control this facility.

Meanwhile, in December, following the fall of Assad's regime, residents of six Druze villages in southern Syria appealed to Israel. They requested that Israeli authorities extend sovereignty over their settlements. The Druze fear persecution from Syrian Islamists. The new Syrian authorities, however, promised to respect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in the country.

• Since 1974, there has been an agreement between Israel and Syria regarding a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, part of which was taken under Israeli control during the Six-Day War in 1967. Most countries consider the territory controlled by Israel to be annexed.
• The new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Mohammad al-Julani), expressed support for the buffer zone agreement. However, Israel has stated that it considers the deal invalid following the change of power in Damascus.