US backs Israeli military moves in Syria, including Golan Heights buffer zone

The U.S. administration fully supports Israeli military operations in Syria, including the seizure of a demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights, Israeli media reported Monday.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the collapse of a U.N.-monitored disengagement agreement, which had established a buffer zone between Israel and Syria after Syrian troops withdrew following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

“Washington is aware of and fully supports our actions in Syria,” Israel’s Army Radio quoted an Israeli official as saying.

Agreement between Israel and Syria is ‘dead’

The official said the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria “is dead.” That agreement had led to Israel’s withdrawal from some Syrian territories but kept the Golan Heights under Israeli control.

The Israeli army acknowledged its forces have advanced several kilometers into the demilitarized buffer zone, but stated it had no plans to push further.

The military is focused on destroying “every potential military target” of the ousted Syrian regime, including tanks, warplanes, intelligence headquarters, and advanced equipment, the radio reported.

Israeli airstrikes target Syrian military bases

On Sunday, the Israeli army launched dozens of airstrikes across Syria, targeting about 100 sites. Israeli media said the strikes hit military bases, air defense stations, missile depots, and weapons production centers.

Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to visit Israel on Thursday to discuss developments in Syria and Gaza cease-fire negotiations, according to Israeli news site Walla. Sullivan is set to meet with Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The U.S. has not confirmed the visit.

Assad fled to Russia after anti-regime forces seized Damascus early Sunday, marking the collapse of Syria’s Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.