Israel Syria

Reporter’s Notebook: The threat along Syrian buffer zone is far from over for Israel

For now, there appears to be little appetite to withdraw from the buffer zone, largely because of lingering questions over whether Syria’s new president is truly capable of controlling the country.

The Israel Ministry of Defense’s National Mine Action Authority (INMAA) clears minefields with the assistance of sappers from 4M Defense Mine Solutions in the northern Golan Heights near the Syrian border, April 28, 2026.
 (L-R) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the backdrop of Syrian and Israeli flags (illustrative)

US believes Israel-Syria normalization chances before Knesset elections 'very slim,' source to Post

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa gestures outside 10 Downing Street, after meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in London, Britain March 31, 2026.

Israel refused normalization with Syria at last minute, says Al-Sharaa

‘AN INTERIM agreement that could one day make it possible to sip hot chocolate in a lodge at the base of a bunny hill on the Syrian half of Mount Hermon is something that may be within reach.’ Here, the first snow this winter hits Mount Hermon in Syria, as seen from the northern Golan Heights, near

Donald Trump reimagines Israel's border with Syria, from buffer zones to bunny slopes


Syrian air defense responds to Israeli attacks - report

Material damage was reported without casualties.

What is believed to be guided missiles are seen in the sky during what is reported to be an attack in Damascus, Syria, January 21, 2019, in this still image taken from a video obtained from social media

IDF strikes targets in Syria in response to rocket fire

Syria says airstrikes in Quneitra and Damascus killed three soldiers, caused material damage.

Syrian air defence batteries responding to what the Syrian state media said were Israeli missiles targeting Damascus, in a picture taken early on January 21st, 2019

Israel to release more prisoners for remains of more IDF soldiers - report

London-based Asharq al-Awsat says two Druze resident from Majdal Shams to be released in next round

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the Russian Army chief of staff at the ceremony of transferring the coffin of the missing Zacharia Baumel to Israel in Moscow, Russia on April 4th, 2019

Israel releases two Syrian prisoners in 'goodwill gesture'

Response to Israel receiving the remains of fallen IDF soldier Zachary Baumel; prisoners opposed repatriation.

The Syrian area of Quneitra is seen in the background as an out-of-commission Israeli tank parks on a hill, near the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria, in the Golan Heights.

This week in 60 seconds

Got a minute? Here's the week in review.

Jerusalem Post News

Baumel's sister, Osna: “I knew the chances he was alive were quite slim”

The news the soldiers brought her Wednesday, she said, “was unreal.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Osna Baumel, sister of Zachary Baumel

Protests throughout Syria following Trump's Golan declaration

A picture of the protest in Homs shows a protester carrying a banner saying "AlJawlan is Syrian. It is apart [sic] of Syria. And it will remain Syrian."

A man holds the Syrian flag in Quneitra near Golan Heights (REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki)

Syrian Army sends reinforcements to Golan Heights border - Report

This is the first time Syria has reinforced the border since beginning their military operation in the Quneitra area.

Mount Hermon is seen in the background as Israeli soldiers travel on mobile artillery units after an exercise in the Golan Heights, February 2013

Voices From The Arab Press: Israel’s dangerous dynamic in Syria

So far Israel has succeeded to impose its own rules of engagement with Syria and Iran. Hardly a week goes by without Israeli warplanes launching missile attacks against Syrian targets.

A MAN stands at Mount Bental, an observation post on the Golan Heights that overlooks the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing, on January 21.

The end of the ambiguity policy: Israel’s new strategy in Syria

The Israeli decision to end its ambiguity policy sends a clear message: Israel will not compromise on its security, despite the compromises with Hamas, which were deemed required.

An image grab from a video released on May 10, 2018 by the "Central War Media" and broadcast on Syria's official TV purportedly shows Syrian air defense systems intercepting Israeli missiles over Syrian airspace