Israel wants to divide Syria into cantons: Media reports

Israel is reportedly discussing a proposal to divide Syria into cantons, a move that raises questions about the country’s territorial integrity.

The idea, which has been under consideration by Israeli officials since the collapse of the Assad regime, allegedly aims to address minority rights and security concerns according to the Israeli media outlet Israel Hayom.

Israel’s fear of Turkish influence in Middle East

During a recent ministerial meeting chaired by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israeli officials debated the proposal as part of broader talks on developments in Syria.

Discussions included Türkiye’s involvement, the role of opposition groups, now who’s in charge of Syria’s new administration and the ‘safety’ of Druze and Kurdish minorities.

Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen suggested that the initiative be examined at an international conference focused on Syria’s future.

Israel aims to expand its own sphere of influence by further expanding the lands it currently occupies in Syria.

Although Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated that the terrorist organization PKK/YPG does not represent the Kurds in Syria, Israel has begun to establish much more intense contact with the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S. and the European Union, especially after the fall of Assad.

According to analysts the Israeli Army’s excuse of “protecting” the civilian population in the region, which was launched even during peaceful protests that started after Israel captured critical points in Quneitra in Syria and drew the reaction of the local people living in the region, does not seem very convincing when considering its actions on the ground.

Recently Israeli forces have advanced into Syria’s Quneitra region, occupying the strategic Al-Mantara Dam, one of the largest water reservoirs in southern Syria, according to regional reports.

Concerns over Israel’s attack to Syria’s territorial integrity

The proposed division of Syria into cantons has sparked concerns about the fragmentation of a sovereign state. Critics argue that such initiatives undermine Syria’s unity and risk fueling further instability in the region.

Syria has faced significant territorial challenges, including Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights since 1967. Observers warn that Israel’s latest discussions could further complicate efforts to restore Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israel recently has decided to occupy the Syrian side of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights and establish a buffer zone. Netanyahu stated that a decades-old “disengagement agreement” between Israel and Syria has ‘collapsed’ after Syrian forces abandoned their positions in the region.

“I directed the Israeli army yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby,” Netanyahu said during a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border.”

Although the new administration in Syria has repeatedly stated that it is not looking for a new war, it seems obvious that Israel is not happy with Assad’s fall. Especially when intelligence reports emerged after the change of government were examined, it has become clear that there was organic communication between Israel and Syria during the Assad period.

Israeli officials have framed the discussions as part of efforts to secure the northern border and protect against threats from various groups. Israeli security officials said that while Tel Aviv does not plan to maintain a permanent presence in Syria, it will hold positions in occupied areas until stability is achieved. Critics, however, view these actions as an extension of Israel’s broader regional agenda to widen their occupation in Syria.