Israel takes control of Golan Heights buffer zone after Syrian troop withdrawal

Israel has taken control of the Golan Heights buffer zone following the withdrawal of Syrian troops. This move comes after rebel forces captured Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Golan Heights will always be considered part of Israel. He also expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for recognizing this claim in 2019. The Israeli military had previously increased its presence in the Golan Heights on December 7. Most of the international community, except for the U.S. and Israel, does not recognize Israel's sovereignty over the area.