Israel deploys troops to buffer zone in Golan Heights following Syrian turmoil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military will "seize" a demilitarized buffer zone along the Syrian border. This follows the collapse of a 50-year disengagement agreement after Syrian forces abandoned their positions amid ongoing turmoil in Syria. The Israeli military has deployed troops to the buffer zone to prevent hostile forces from establishing a presence. This action comes as Islamist-led rebels have advanced against Syrian government forces since late November. In response to the situation, schools in northern Golan Heights will shift to online learning, and certain areas have been declared closed military zones. The UN peacekeepers continue their operations in the region despite the escalating conflict.