The Israeli army declared the Golan Heights a “closed military zone” on Sunday following the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the decision was based on security assessments by the Northern Command to prevent potential threats.
Schools in Druze communities like Buq’ata, Ein Qiniye, Mas’ade, and Majdal Shams shifted to online learning, though daycare centers remained open.
Agricultural zones near Merom Golan, Ein Zivan, and Buq’ata have been restricted until the end of December for safety reasons.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the downfall of Assad was linked to Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah and Iran.
“We will not allow any hostile forces near our borders,” Netanyahu said in a speech broadcast from the Israeli-Syrian border.
The premier described a “chain reaction” across the Middle East, triggered by resistance to the Assad regime’s oppressive rule.
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s ongoing efforts to secure the buffer zone, which has been in place since 1974.
“This agreement has collapsed, and Syrian troops have abandoned their positions,” he emphasized, underscoring the region’s instability.
Earlier on Sunday, Israel deployed additional forces along the Syrian border, citing concerns about potential infiltration by armed groups.
The regime’s fall came after anti-Assad forces captured Damascus, following their earlier takeover of Aleppo just a week prior.
Bashar al-Assad’s sudden flight from Syria marks the end of the Baath Party’s six-decade grip on the nation.