Israel secures buffer zone in Syria amid Assad's decline

Israel has taken control of a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, a move it describes as temporary to secure its border amid unrest following the decline of President Bashar Assad. This area was established by a 1974 ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military's actions are necessary due to the abandonment of Syrian positions. Critics, including the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, have condemned the move as a violation of international law and an attempt to exploit the situation in Syria. Israel aims to prevent instability from spreading and to disrupt Iranian weapon smuggling to Hezbollah. The military plans to establish a security zone and has conducted strikes against potential threats, while also seeking to engage with Syria's Druze population and rebel groups.