Under the slogans “From Daraa to Aleppo, Syria is one heart” and “We will not allow any project that divides Syria,” Syrians gathered on Monday in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sueida to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for the “total demilitarization” of southern Syria. Netanyahu also reaffirmed that Israeli troops would remain in the region.

Growing Discontent Against Foreign Pressure

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and local media, these demonstrations reflect growing public frustration with the Syrian Interim Government’s perceived inaction against geopolitical pressures. The protests also reject any initiatives that could fragment Syrian territory, particularly after Israel’s recent takeover of Mount Hermon in the demilitarized zone, which critics argue violates 1974 bilateral agreements.

Netanyahu’s Security Agenda and Regional Reactions

On Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated his demand for the “total demilitarization of southern Syria” under the control of the Interim Government, led by Ahmed Husein al-Charaa. He also warned that Israel would “not tolerate threats” to the Druze community in the region.

These statements have been interpreted by Syrian protesters as an attempt to consolidate Israel’s occupation of the area. They coincided with intense Israeli military flights over southern Syrian provinces reported on Monday, further escalating regional tensions.

International Condemnation and Ongoing Tensions

The situation in Syria has deteriorated since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, 2024, which allowed Israel to take control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. This move was condemned by the international community, as it revived territorial disputes and challenged the future of the 1974 agreements.

While Netanyahu continues to justify his security agenda, Syrian protests have sent a clear message: national unity remains a priority in the face of external pressures. The Syrian people are firmly rejecting any actions that could divide their country, emphasizing their commitment to a united Syria.

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