Southern Syria is facing increased instability after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statements regarding the region’s demilitarization. netanyahu’s remarks, made last Sunday evening, have sparked widespread protests and led to the formation of new military councils. These developments raise important concerns about Syrian unity and potential external interference. Demonstrations erupted across several towns, including Khan Arnaba, Quneitra, Nawa, and Basri al-sham in Daraa on Monday, January 17, 2025, signaling a strong rejection of Israeli demands.

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of years of conflict and shifting alliances in the region. Netanyahu’s pronouncements have touched a nerve, igniting long-simmering tensions and raising questions about the future of Southern Syria.

Netanyahu’s statements included a demand that southern Syria “demilitarize.” He further stated, “We will not allow the forces of the association of the headquarters for the Liberation of Al -sham or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of damascus, and we will not accept any threat to the people of the Druze community in southern Syria.” He also asserted that “our forces will remain at the top of jabal Al -Sheikh and in the (Syrian) buffer zone indefinitely.” These remarks followed his earlier indication that the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, 2024, “changed the map of the Middle East,” and that Israel “stopped Iran’s attempts to support the regime.”

These pronouncements have been interpreted by many in Southern Syria as a direct challenge to their sovereignty and a threat to their security. The demand for demilitarization, in particular, has been met with widespread resistance, as many Syrians view it as an infringement on their right to self-determination.

The reaction in southern Syria has been one of strong opposition. Sheikh Suleiman Abdel Baqi, a leader of the Ahrar Al-Arab Assembly in As-Suwayda, voiced his disapproval of external meddling in Syrian affairs. He told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, “We refuse to interfere with any external party in the Syrian internal affairs … We are syrians and our identity is Syria We wont to build the homeland and live in peace.” He further commented that “the regime, Iran and Hezbollah have caused wars and sedition, and now it is indeed time for reconstruction and peace.”

Sheikh Abdel Baqi’s words reflect a deep-seated desire for peace and stability in Southern Syria, and also a determination to resist external interference in the country’s internal affairs. His call for reconstruction and peace resonates with many Syrians who have suffered through years of conflict and hardship.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the emergence of new military councils. A number of gunmen announced the formation of the Military Council of As-Suwayda, aiming to “coordinate efforts between the local military factions to confront any possible security threats, and to enhance security and stability in the region,” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The council also stated its intention to protect civilians and public property. A local group from Al-Ghiary, south of As-suwayda, announced its affiliation with the council via a video clip on Facebook.

The formation of these military councils reflects the growing sense of insecurity and instability in Southern Syria, as well as a desire among local communities to take matters into their own hands.However,the emergence of these councils has also raised concerns about the potential for further fragmentation and conflict in the region.

However, this formation has faced resistance from major factions in As-Suwayda, including the “Decision Operations Room” and the “Joint Operations Room,” which deemed it “illegal.” Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze Almohads community, echoed this sentiment, stating that “the separatist military council does not represent the people of the province or its military factions.”

The opposition to the Military Council of As-Suwayda highlights the deep divisions and competing interests within Southern Syria. The lack of consensus among local factions could further complicate efforts to achieve stability and unity in the region.

In response to the criticism, the “Military council in Al-Ghari” issued a statement claiming to be “the only commissioner of the coalition countries (without specifying any coalition) to restore security and stability,” accusing its critics of promoting chaos and division. Sources indicate that the Military Council of As-suwayda,led by defected officer Tariq Al-Shoufi,operates primarily in the southern countryside of As-Suwayda and advocates for a “secular,not decentralized democratic state,” without clarifying its stance on the transitional government in Damascus.

The conflicting claims and accusations surrounding the Military Council of As-Suwayda underscore the complex and often opaque nature of the political landscape in Southern Syria. The lack of transparency and accountability among local factions further complicates efforts to build trust and cooperation in the region.

Adding another layer to the unfolding events, a separate gathering of officers and faction representatives convened at Al-Kafr town airport, adopting the slogan “We are the sons of As-Suwayda …We are a sacrifice of redemption.” This meeting was organized in response to the establishment of the Military Council in As-Suwayda and aimed to demonstrate a unified front against secessionist sentiments.

The gathering at Al-Kafr town airport reflects a desire among some Syrians to maintain the country’s unity and territorial integrity. The slogan adopted by the participants underscores their commitment to defending Southern Syria against external threats and internal divisions.

Ziyad Al-Abdullah, a retired officer and former opponent of the assad regime, clarified that this military body is not intended for separation from Damascus but is, in fact, in direct coordination with the Ministry of Defence and with the knowledge of Sheikh Al-Hijri. Al-Abdullah stated that “the appointment of foreign leaders in the Syrian army and the acquisition of jihadist factions on its joints frightens many Syrian categories,” justifying the formation of a body to ensure stability and uphold civil law.

Al-Abdullah’s remarks provide valuable insight into the motivations behind the formation of the military body at Al-Kafr town airport. His emphasis on coordination with the Ministry of Defense and the knowledge of Sheikh Al-Hijri suggests a desire to work within the existing Syrian state structure, rather than to challenge it.

Regarding Netanyahu’s statements, one of the new officers from the Al-Kafr meeting stated, “we refuse to express any position before we hear the statements of the syrian President and the Syrian Ministry of Defense…We are from the people and official statements that require official responses.”

The officer’s statement reflects a cautious approach to the situation, as well as a desire to defer to the authority of the syrian government. His emphasis on official statements and official responses suggests a recognition of the need for a coordinated and unified response to Netanyahu’s demands

Southern Syria’s Defiance: Unpacking the Complexities of Israeli Demands and Emerging Military Councils

Is the recent unrest in Southern Syria a mere reaction to Israeli demands,or is something far more complex at play,potentially reshaping the region’s political landscape?

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert in Middle Eastern politics, welcome to World-today-News.com. Your expertise on Syrian internal dynamics is highly regarded. let’s delve into the recent events in Southern syria, beginning with the Israeli Prime Minister’s demands for demilitarization. How important are these demands,and how have they been perceived by the local population?

Dr. Petrova: The Israeli Prime Minister’s demands for demilitarization in Southern Syria are incredibly significant, not just for their immediate impact but also for their long-term implications on regional stability. These demands aren’t simply about disarmament; they represent a deeper attempt to influence the power dynamics within Syria and potentially redefine it’s borders. The local population perceives these demands as a direct threat to their sovereignty and self-determination. The ancient context of foreign intervention in Syria heavily influences this perception; many Syrians feel this is merely a continuation of past attempts at external control. The protests we’ve seen – erupting in towns like Khan Arnaba, Quneitra, Nawa, and basri al-sham – are a strong testament to this widespread feeling of resentment and resistance.

Interviewer: The formation of new military councils in southern Syria,especially the Military Council of As-Suwayda,adds another layer of complexity. Can you shed light on the motivations behind these formations? Are these councils primarily aimed at addressing security concerns or are there underlying political motivations?

dr.Petrova: The emergence of these military councils is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by a confluence of factors. While some councils claim a primary focus on enhancing regional security and stability, often citing the need to protect civilians and public property, there are undoubtedly significant underlying political dimensions. The power vacuum created by years of conflict, coupled with the perceived insufficient response from the central government, has motivated local communities to establish their own security apparatuses. This reflects a struggle for local autonomy and influence in the context of broader, ongoing political instability within Syria. there are also underlying issues related to sectarian tensions and a myriad of different interests vying for influence. The very contested nature of the Military Council of As-Suwayda,with major factions voicing opposition,underscores the fragmented nature of the political and military landscape. The key reasons for the formation of these councils boil down to:

Security Concerns: Protecting local communities from ongoing threats and instability.

A Desire for Self-Governance: the search for relative autonomy amidst ongoing national turmoil.

Securing Influential Positions: These newly formed entities may serve particular group interests.

Competition for Power and Resources: A struggle to control territory and resources.

interviewer: How do you see the international community reacting to these developments? Will there be intensified involvement, or will the focus remain on other geopolitical priorities? What role, if any, will regional players such as Iran, Russia, and other regional actors potentially play in the growth of this situation?

Dr. Petrova: The international community’s response will likely be complex and varied, with different interests at play. While some nations may prioritize maintaining a degree of stability, others may seek to leverage the situation to further their own geopolitical aims. The involvement of regional players like iran and Russia could significantly influence the outcome. Their past interactions and relationships with various factions within Syria will undoubtedly shape their next moves. It’s highly probable that these regional powers will exploit the resulting fragmentation to advance their own objectives. The potential for increased external influence is a severe concern; these circumstances could easily exacerbate existing tensions and lead to a more protracted conflict, further undermining the possibility of national unity and stability. The potential involvement of these external actors will be a key factor to watch very closely.

Interviewer: Looking ahead,what are the potential long-term implications of these developments for Syria,both internally and regionally? What should we expect to see unfold in the coming months and years?

Dr. Petrova: the long-term implications are significant and unpredictable. Internally, we could see increased fragmentation and continued instability. The possibility of prolonged conflict between different military factions and external actors is very likely, depending on how regional players choose to involve themselves. Regionally, the spillover effects could exacerbate existing tensions and further destabilize an already volatile area. Over the coming months and years, continued unrest, further power struggles, and shifting alliances are to be expected. There is a significant need for a strategy that promotes de-escalation and dialog to avoid further fragmentation and conflict in this geopolitical region.

Interviewer: Dr. Petrova, thank you for your insightful analysis. This has been a truly illuminating conversation.

Final Thoughts: The situation in Southern Syria is a complex interplay of internal struggles, external pressures, and historical grievances. we encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in the comments below. let’s continue the discussion on social media using #SouthernSyriaConflict #SyrianPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis.