To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
By Ioanna Theou
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) made reports describing the increased Israeli military activity in southern Syria, especially in the Quneitra region, near the Golan Heights. According to SANA, Israeli force have entered several villages, created military checkpoints -with limited access of course-, searched civilians and increased their presence in the area.
The reports mention that Israeli forces moved into areas such as Saida al Golan, al-Razaniyah, al Hanout, and al- Samadaniyag al- Sharqiyah. They also report Israeli military presence near Abu Rajm farm and other locations, although no casualties reported.
SANA presents these actions as violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, which created a UN-monitored buffer zone after the 1973 Yom Kippur war. The Syrian side accuses Israel of expanding its control in southern Syria through military incursions, arrests, and the creation of new military positions.
The reports come in the context of the post-Assad period, when Syria has faced instability. Israel argues that its military operations are necessary to prevent hostile groups, especially those linked to Iran and Hezbollah, from operating near its borders. Syria, however, considers these actions a violation of its sovereignty and claims that Israel is taking advantage of Syria’s weakness to expand its influence.
Quneitra is strategically important because it is located next to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Syria and most of the international community consider the area as occupied territory, while Israel views it as essential for its security. [i]
Resources
[i] Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), “Israeli Occupation Forces Raid Southern Quneitra, Set Up Military Checkpoint,” July 20, 2026, https://sana.sy/en/syria/2330700/
Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), “Israeli Forces Shell Quneitra Countryside, Continue Violations,” July 19, 2026, https://sana.sy/en/syria/2330677/