Israeli forces continue to operate militarily in southwestern Syria, though exactly what they are attempting to accomplish is increasingly uncertain, with raids into Quneitra and Daraa Governorates involving ill-defined investigations of random homes or people.
The weekend operation was near the town of Jamleh, and saw Israeli troops enter Syria to capture a group of shepherds as part of an ongoing investigation related to their shepherding. They were later released without incident.
Another operation was reported further north in Quneitra this weekend, with IDF military vehicles entering the village of Ayn al-Baida and conducting a “surprise raid” on a civilian home. Here again, it’s not clear what if anything was accomplished.
Israeli troops in Syria’s Quneitra Governorate | Image from SOHR
Yesterday, Israeli troops also reportedly raided the village Saida al-Hanout, searching several homes. No arrests were made there. Syrian state media was critical of these operations as a violation of 1974 agreements, though the Israeli government was largely mum on them.
Over the past week, Amnesty International issued a statement calling for a war crimes investigation related to the Israeli invasion of Syria and the destruction of civilian homes “with absolutely no military necessity.” They said Israel has an obligation to make reparations to civilians who lost their homes in this way.
Israel invaded Syria in December of 2024, the day after the ouster of the Assad government, and occupied the former demilitarized zone between the occupied Golan Heights and the Quneitra Governorate. Israeli troops continue to operate more deeply in Syria than the demilitarized zone, but largely are not occupying that territory, instead launching offensives, searching homes, and then eventually returning across the border.
