Image Source: Jewish News Syndicate
World – Syria-based American journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem has warned that all of southern Syria could soon fall under Israeli control as border tensions intensify near Damascus.
Officials in Damascus reported that around 60 Israeli soldiers had advanced into the countryside southwest of the capital, moving to seize positions near Mount Hermon, a strategic high ridge overlooking Beit Jinn.
Reports of stepped-up operations were followed by drone strikes south of Damascus that killed several Syrian soldiers, fuelling fears of escalation despite the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries.
Kareem cautioned that the movements could not be dismissed as minor border activity. The pattern of repeated strikes and incursions reflected a broader strategy rather than symbolic manoeuvres.
“No, there’s no symbolism that’s happening here right now. This is normal for the Israelis. They carry out all kinds of raids almost with impunity.”
Observers have pointed to a growing number of incidents along the disengagement line.
Recently, Israeli forces were reported to have entered Beit Jinn, an area already marked by instability. Kareem emphasised that these operations hold significant importance for maintaining the balance of control in the south.
“Just about five days ago, they did another incursion across the 1974 line into a place called Beit Jinn. Now, this is very significant… by the time we eat dinner tonight or in a week or a few hours from now, all of southern Syria could be under the control of Netanyahu.”
Mount Hermon Undermines Disengagement Agreement
Kareem argues that the disengagement agreement has already been eroded by Israel. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December, Israeli forces occupied key strategic ground and showed no intention of withdrawal.
He emphasised that Mount Hermon’s capture had already undermined any pretence of abiding by the old terms.
“Forget about the 1974 demarcation agreement. Totally throw it out of your mind. When the country fell from the hands of Bashar al-Assad back in December, they launched a raid into Syrian territory… and totally took over Mount Hermon.”
“Even Benjamin Netanyahu interviewed from that territory and said that they’re going to hold it for an indefinite amount of time.”
Israel has maintained that its actions are meant to safeguard Druze communities. However, Kareem described this as a narrative designed for outside audiences, warning that it distracts from the fundamental objectives.
“Everyone here and in Damascus understands that that’s nothing more than a pretext… throw this image out of your mind that this is about protecting Jews because it certainly isn’t, and nobody here even believes that.”
He warned that these events fit into a broader project that could redraw the region’s map. Without a serious response from Damascus or regional actors, he argued, Israeli expansion would continue unchecked.
“The Israelis are not going to stop unless you show them something. Benjamin Netanyahu got up two weeks ago, and he’s talking about a greater Israel project. He’s telling everybody exactly what he’s going to do. And that includes taking over large portions of Syria.”
