Israel: No Near-Term Peace with Syria, Assessments of Possible Northern Attack

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is not on a path to peace with Syria, noting that the army includes in its defense plans the scenario of a potential ground attack on northern Israel.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Gallant said during a closed discussion of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the presence of forces within Israel’s borders contemplating attacks on population centers in the Golan Heights represents an ongoing threat. He added that Israel is working to protect the Druze community in Syria, noting that the army has prepared plans to respond to any raids on Jabal al-Druze, including measures to close the border if necessary.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the buffer zone inside Syrian territory accompanied by Gallant, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, the Chief of Staff, and the head of the Shin Bet.

Israel continues to carry out military incursions in various areas of southern Syria intensively and on a daily basis, according to Israeli sources.