The rapid collapse of the Syrian armed forces, as a result of which the local armed opposition established control over Damascus in a few days, extremely surprised the Israeli military intelligence, writes newspaper Haaretz.
As noted by its army sources, the Israeli army considered the internal political situation in Syria unstable even before the events of the last days, but the speed of the disintegration of the military structure of the Syrian armed forces “surprised everyone” in Israel.
Haaretz interlocutors note that there are now concerns from the Israeli side that the collapse of the Syrian army could lead to the emergence of extremists in the buffer zone separating the Jewish state and the Arab republic, which is why Israel has preemptively deployed additional forces in the border areas. According to the newspaper, the Israeli leadership is considering a scenario in which reservists will have to be called in to stabilize the situation in these areas.
Military sources told Haaretz that the Israeli army “does not intend to strike Syria unless there is a clear threat to Israel”. In addition, Israel warned the population of Syria's border areas not to approach the border, the newspaper said. The publication claims that the military received instructions “if necessary, as a deterrent, shoot at anyone who approaches the fence”. on the borders of the territory controlled by Israel. According to Haaretz, over the past few days, Israel has already carried out several strikes on weapons depots and air defense facilities in Syria, fearing that these weapons could fall into the hands of the armed opposition.
The Israeli army earlier officially announced the deployment of its forces in the buffer zone separating the Golan Heights, controlled by the Jewish state, and Syria. According to her, these actions are purely defensive in nature. According to the military, Israel does not intend to interfere in what is happening in the neighboring country. In addition, several areas in the Golan Heights have been declared a closed military zone and entry is strictly prohibited. Earlier, Israeli officials said they were closely monitoring what was happening in Syria and were preparing for “all scenarios,” including both defensive and offensive actions.
Belonging to Syria since 1944, the Golan was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1981 The Knesset (Israel's parliament) passed a law unilaterally declaring the sovereignty of the Jewish state over this territory. UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 17 December 1981. declares the annexation invalid.
Group "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" and its allies at the end of November launched a large-scale offensive against the positions of the Syrian army. By the evening of December 7, opponents of the Syrian president captured several major cities: Aleppo, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa and Homs.
On Sunday morning, fighters from armed groups entered Damascus, after which government forces left the city without visible signs of resistance. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness for a peaceful transfer of power in the republic. According to him, the Syrian government is negotiating with the leadership of the armed opposition to ensure the safe functioning of state institutions.