Netanyahu demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria after the overthrow of Assad

 

Israeli tanks in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the complete demilitarization of most of southern Syria.

This statement may increase the likelihood of conflict between Israel and the new leadership of Syria after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

In a speech to Israeli cadets on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel would not allow the forces of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the overthrow of Assad., — as well as the new Syrian army, which is being formed, "to enter the area south of Damascus.

""We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in the provinces of Quneitra, Deraa and Al-Suwayda from the forces of the new regime," he added. "Similarly, we will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria."