Syrians protest as Israel enforces demilitarised southern zones

Syrians are protesting in the country’s south against Israel’s recent military expansion in Syria and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Syrian military forces must not be moving south of Damascus, The Middle East Eye via Reuters reported on February 24th.

This development follows Netanyahu’s speech on February 23rd, where he made it clear that he would not permit the movement of  Syria’s government and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces into this strategically sensitive area.

During his address, Netanyahu said: “Take note: We will not allow HTS forces or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus.” He demanded the complete demilitarisation of the southern provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida. This has sparked significant outrage, in which it has been seen as an Israeli attempt to undermine Syrian sovereignty.

An expert on the conflict in Syria, Robin Yassin-Kassab told Middle East Eye that Netanyahu is “obviously trying to split up Syria.”

Yassin-Kassab also said: “The idea that the Syrian army will not be allowed to deploy south of Damascus is extremely appalling.”

He added: “Of course, the Syrian government cannot accept that, and it puts them in a really difficult situation. It suggests that Israel is going to treat the Syrian army as it treats Hezbollah.”

With banners and chants like “Netanyahu, you pig, Syria is not for division,” and “Syria is free, Israel get out!” the Syrian protesters conveyed a strong message of unity and resistance against foreign meddling.

The Middle East Eye via Reuters