NYT: Israeli Ground Forces Enter Syrian Territory for First Time Since 1973

Israeli ground forces have crossed into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October War, marking a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy. The move, which includes taking control of key positions like Mount Hermon, was confirmed by anonymous Israeli officials to The New York

Israeli ground forces have crossed into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October War, marking a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy, The New York Times reports. Israeli troops advanced beyond the demilitarized zone on the Golan Heights, taking control of strategic positions, including Mount Hermon.

Two Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to The New York Times that the ground operation also included airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets, such as weapons caches and air defense systems, to prevent them from falling into the hands of rebel forces.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered Israeli troops to “take over the buffer zone” between Israel and Syria. He explained, “We have instructed the Israeli army to take control of these positions to prevent any hostile forces from establishing themselves near Israel’s border. This is a temporary defensive measure until a more permanent solution is reached.”

In the same announcement, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee declared a curfew in five Syrian villages within the buffer zone, ordering residents to remain indoors “until further notice.”

While Israel maintains that it is “not intervening in Syria’s internal matters,” the military made clear that its forces would continue operations “as long as necessary” to preserve the buffer zone and protect Israel and its citizens.

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