Israeli incursions into Syrian territory since December 8, 2024, are no longer limited to their field repercussions and violations of international law; they have become a prominent issue in Israel's internal political debate regarding the management of security files and their political exploitation. This comes amid rising criticism from the opposition against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding military decisions and their timing, coinciding with the approach of the Israeli elections scheduled for tomorrow (October 27).
While Netanyahu presents Israeli military movements inside Syrian territory as measures to protect Israel's security, his opponents focus their criticism on the government's management of security files. They warn against exploiting security fears and military decisions for electoral calculations. Meanwhile, Damascus affirms its readiness to address outstanding issues through dialogue, preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Buffer Zone
Over the past months, Netanyahu has sought to portray the Israeli military presence inside Syrian territory as part of a security strategy aimed at distancing what his government describes as threats from the borders and establishing buffer zones that allow Israeli forces to operate outside its borders. On September 9, Netanyahu visited the Syrian Golan Heights and spoke about achieving what he termed "absolute control" over an area extending from the summit of Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk River, reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that his forces would not withdraw from the "security zone" they control in Syria, as reported by the Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post." Netanyahu had previously announced in December 2025 that reaching an agreement with Syria was possible, but he linked it to the establishment of a demilitarized zone extending from Damascus to Mount Hermon.
The Opposition: Security Debate and Political Exploitation
Conversely, the debate has extended into Israel's domestic sphere, where opposition figures accuse Netanyahu of exploiting security fears and military decisions to serve his political interests, warning that this approach could expose Israel's security to additional risks. On October 21, Yair Golan, leader of the opposition "Democrats" party, called on Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and security establishment leaders to prevent Netanyahu from exploiting the military to achieve political goals or personal interests.
Golan had previously criticized, on August 9, the Israeli strike targeting Abu al-Dhaher Air Base in northwestern Syria, calling it a provocative step that deepens divisions with allies, primarily the United States. This debate escalated on October 19, with the introduction of Netanyahu's new security doctrine, which includes preemptive strikes and the establishment of buffer zones along Israel's borders.
Incursions by the Numbers: Violations and Repercussions
Documented facts reflect the expanding scope of Israeli operations inside Syria. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented, in a report published on October 8, no less than 453 Israeli land incursions between December 8, 2024, and October 6, 2026, in addition to the killing of at least 69 people, the recording of 162 cases of arbitrary detention, and 22 incidents affecting vital civilian infrastructure and facilities.
The incursions were concentrated in the Quneitra and Daraa governorates, and to a lesser extent in the Damascus countryside. In another indicator of the expansion of operations, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Shaista Shameem, announced on October 9 that approximately 280 incidents of Israeli military incursions inside Syrian territory had been documented during September alone, the highest monthly figure since the beginning of the year.
International Criticism and Warnings
Objections to Israeli operations inside Syria are not limited to the Syrian position; they include Arab and Islamic countries and international parties that have warned of their repercussions on the country's sovereignty and regional stability. On October 19, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel seeks to stir up chaos in Syria, despite the positive developments the country is witnessing.
Foreign ministers of 12 Arab and Islamic countries condemned Israeli airstrikes targeting Abu al-Dhaher military airport in Idlib, considering them a serious escalation and a violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE, along with the Arab League, had previously condemned Israeli aggressions and incidents along the "Sufa 53" line in Quneitra.
Damascus Clings to Dialogue and Sovereignty
Conversely, the Syrian leadership, following the fall of the despised regime on December 8, 2024, expressed readiness to address security files and disputes with Israel through dialogue and diplomatic means, leading to arrangements that ensure stability and prevent escalation, without compromising Syria's sovereignty or accepting the imposition of military facts within its territory. With Damascus insisting on dialogue within a framework that preserves sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Syria, respecting borders, halting incursions, and adhering to international understandings have become essential elements for any path aimed at limiting escalation and achieving stability.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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