Israeli Troops and 'Archaeologists' Advance Deeper into Southern Syria

Local sources reported to Al Mayadeen that “archaeological experts in Israeli military uniforms” are accompanying the advancing troops, particularly into the ancient sites of Quneitra, including the historic town of Breqa.

As of Wednesday, Israeli forces are reportedly just 12 kilometers from the international road connecting Damascus to Beirut, Lebanon.

The Israeli military has also detained residents in southern Syria, interrogating them for hours while confiscating their mobile phones and identification cards.

According to Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar, Israeli forces have made significant advances in villages such as Beit Jinn, Saida, and Al-Maqraz, near the Daraa-Quneitra administrative border, as well as Koya and Al-Mariya near Jordan. Local residents have been coerced into surrendering weapons under threats of military raids and curfews.

Since the Syrian government's fall to Turkish and US-backed extremists earlier this month, Israel has taken control of around 440 square kilometers of Syrian land, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Damascus.

Israel faces no resistance from Syria's de facto rulers, who have stated that the “new Syria” does not intend to engage in hostility with Israel.

“We are committed to the 1974 agreement and are prepared to reintroduce UN monitors. We do not want any conflict, whether with Israel or anyone else. Syria should not be used as a launchpad for attacks. The Syrian people need peace, and Israel must pull back to its previous positions,” said Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in an interview with The Times on Monday.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday, “We must fortify our positions on Mount Hermon, as we anticipate a prolonged stay.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated this week, “The Golan Heights will forever remain an integral part of Israel.”

The Israeli presence in southern Syria, supported by the US, has severely damaged Syria's military capabilities. Over the past week, hundreds of airstrikes have destroyed nearly all of Syria’s air defense systems, radar installations, research centers, and weapons depots.