Israel Seizes Syrian Buffer Zone Amidst Regional Tensions

Israel has temporarily seized control of a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights following the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria, as Syrian troops vacated their posts amid a rebel takeover. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the move is a defensive measure to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves on Israel's border. The situation arises after Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, captured Damascus and overthrew Bashar al-Assad's regime. Israel is concerned about the potential threats from the power shift in Syria, including the control of Assad's alleged chemical weapons arsenal.