1.3.2. Israel

Since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel advanced deep into the UN-monitored demilitarised zone between the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Syrian-controlled parts of Quneitra, setting up nine military posts stretching from Mount Hermon through Quneitra city to western parts of Dar’a.271 The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in various parts of Syria as well as ground operations in areas bordering the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, including parts of Quneitra, Dar’a and Rural Damascus.272 Between December 2024 and September 2025, ACLED recorded 277 Israeli aerial strikes, targeting weapons depots, missile installations, and air defences,273 while between January and early September 2025, SOHR recorded 97 Israeli operations, including 86 airstrikes and 11 ground raids.274 In July 2025, the IDF notably carried out 33 airstrikes framed as protecting Sweida’s Druze community. Meanwhile, ISW and CTP mapped no changes to territorial control by Israeli forces during the reference period.275

As of early 2026, the Israeli operations adopted a multi-layered approach combining direct ground contact, continuous surveillance, some use of force, and structured management of civilian movement.276 An IDF ground incursion in Beit Jinn (Rural Damascus) in late November 2025 resulted in clashes with armed residents that left at least 11 civilians dead and caused extensive damage and destruction to property.277 IDF troops further opened fire at civilians protesting against the IDF in Quneitra in December 2025, resulting in three civilians being injured, after similar incidents had been reported in December 2024.278 Moreover, the Israeli army reportedly arrested 197 men between late December and May 2026,279 including across northern280 and southern rural Quneitra281 and western rural Dar’a,282 with March 2026 marking a large escalation that led to dozens of civilians being detained.283 Those reportedly arrested by the IDF during the reference period included shepherds,284 minors,285 and journalists.286 Some Syrians arrested since December 2024 were reported to have been transferred to prisons in Israel.287 IDF raids on villages inside Syrian territory reportedly targeted individuals suspected of links to terrorist organisations. In some cases, the IDF stated that those arrested were members of, or had links to, Hamas or Hezbollah.288