Israel has expanded its military and administrative presence in Syria’s Quneitra province, taking control of civil institutions and demolishing homes, as the Julani government remains notably passive in the face of growing occupation.

Why it matters:

The developments mark a dangerous erosion of Syrian sovereignty and point to a broader Israeli strategy to fragment Syria, particularly in the south. The Julani government’s inaction is enabling unprecedented levels of Israeli interference in civilian life, security, and governance. This situation is unfolding amid reports of possible normalization between the Julani administration and Israel, raising deep concerns across the region.

What they’re saying:

Syrian sources report that Israeli forces have gained full access to government offices in Quneitra, controlling worker appointments and administrative records.

“Even department directors now require Israeli permission to enter or leave government buildings,” local sources told Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV. “This is happening under the silent approval of the Julani administration.”

Witnesses confirmed that Israeli forces raided a factory in al-Hamidiyah village, confiscated equipment, and interrogated workers.

They also demolished 15 homes in the same village without warning, under the pretext of securing military bases, leaving residents unable to retrieve any of their belongings.

Syrian activist Saeed Mohammad described the situation in Quneitra as “unbearable,” stating: “Life is paralyzed. People are terrified, and no one is protecting them. The state is absent, and the world is blind. Israeli occupation is becoming permanent unless it is resisted.”

Key points:

  • Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in southern Syria, especially in Quneitra, with frequent raids, home demolitions, and detentions of civilians.
  • A mobile clinic in al-Hamidiyah, allegedly affiliated with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), is reported to be fully operated by the Israeli military, raising local suspicions.
  • Israeli helicopters and troops have conducted rare incursions near the Syria-Lebanon border, including into the village of Rakhala, unprecedented activity along that frontier.

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ahmad shirzadian