At a recent military ceremony in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a provocative statement about the new Syrian government, outlining his nation’s strategy since the fall of the Assad government. His speech emphasized three key points. Firstly, Netanyahu said Israel would not permit the new Syrian government to deploy forces south of Damascus, calling for the “full demilitarization” of that area – specifically Quneitra, Daraa and Sweida provinces.  Secondly, Netanyahu positioned Israel as a protector of the minority Druze community, aligning with Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recent statements about strengthening ties with “friendly populations” in southern Syria.  Thirdly, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to occupying Syrian lands, asserting that Israeli forces would remain “indefinitely” in the buffer zone and Mount Hermon area.  This stance reinforces Israel’s ongoing agenda of territorial expansion and occupation, particularly in the Golan Heights. Netanyahu’s overarching goal appears to be the systematic weakening and fragmentation of Syria, ensuring it remains under Israeli occupation, devoid of a central government, and mired in sectarian conflict.  This environment of “controlled chaos” would prevent Syria’s recovery after more than a decade of war, turn it into a failed state, and empower Israel under the pretext of minimizing any potential threats from the new Syria. Fragmenting Syria This approach is not new. It has been a […]