What's happened
Following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Israel has established a military presence in a buffer zone in Syria, claiming it is necessary for national security. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops will remain in the area indefinitely, despite international criticism and calls for withdrawal.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that Netanyahu's announcement came amid international calls for Israel to withdraw from the newly captured territory, emphasizing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Independent noted that Netanyahu's visit to the buffer zone marked a significant moment, as it was the first time a sitting Israeli leader had entered this area. The Japan Times highlighted Israel's military strategy to prevent jihadi groups from filling the power vacuum left by Assad's ouster. Meanwhile, the New York Times pointed out the provocative nature of Israel's military presence, which could further destabilize the region.
How we got here
Israel's military actions in Syria intensified after the fall of Assad's government, which has led to a power vacuum. The Israeli government argues that its presence is a security measure against potential threats from jihadi groups.
More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Mount Hermon is a mountain cluster constituting the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. Its summit straddles the border between Syria and Lebanon and, at 2,814 m above sea level, is the highest point in Syria.