Reports indicate that Israeli forces are expanding their presence in Syrian territory near the occupied Golan Heights. This follows Israel's deployment of troops into Syria last December, citing security concerns and the establishment of a buffer zone after the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that Israeli troops have advanced into Syrian villages near the Golan Heights. Specifically, Israeli soldiers were allegedly seen in El-Rafid, west of Quneitra. Previous reports indicated the presence of Israeli soldiers in the village of Kudna, with over a dozen Israeli military vehicles observed in Sayda Golan. These forces reportedly established a checkpoint and initiated thorough inspections in the area.
Local politicians and residents accuse Israel of attempting to "create a new reality" by establishing military positions and helicopter landing strips on Syrian soil. Furthermore, the Israeli army is accused of destroying infrastructure and agricultural land in the region.
In response to inquiries from the German news agency dpa, the Israeli army declined to comment on the location of its units.
Israel justifies its military operations in Syria as a countermeasure against weapons depots and supply routes potentially used by Hezbollah and Hamas militants. However, Syria's new head of state, Ahmed Shara, argues that Hezbollah was an ally of the ousted leader Assad and that this justification is no longer valid. He demands that Israel withdraw from the occupied territories.