IDF chief in Syria: Israel will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves on its borders

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned during a visit to southern Syria on Wednesday that Israel would not allow hostile forces to establish themselves along its borders and would use its military power wherever and whenever necessary.

During the visit, Zamir held an operational situational assessment and toured southern Syria. As part of the tour, he spoke with reserve soldiers operating in the area and expressed his appreciation for their service and operational activity in the sector.

"We are operating in a multi-front reality in which the challenges are constantly changing and developing, and the Syrian arena is one of them," Zamir said.

"We see what is happening and are monitoring the changes on the Syrian front, and we must prepare accordingly. We will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves on our borders, and we will know how to use our power precisely where and when it is needed.

IDF chief says that Israel will maintain Syria buffer zone

"We must prevent the development of terrorist threats while at the same time preventing the emergence of a significant military threat on our borders. In Syria as well, we have created a forward defensive area that serves as a buffer in front of the communities, where our troops operate.

"We are still in a multi-front war, remaining alert and operating across all arenas. Escalation could develop in any one of them, and we must remain constantly prepared.

"The division is doing excellent work. I want to express my appreciation for the reserve troops here. I met a high-quality, professional reserve battalion here, reservists who have served hundreds of days since the beginning of the war.

"You were called up for an extended period. I know the heavy burden on your shoulders; I appreciate what you are doing, and I am working hard to ease the burden on you and your families. The entire people of Israel owe you a great deal."