Full Breakdown
Israeli Forces Rotate in Syrian Security Zone and Shift Division to West Bank
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Deployment Changes in Syria and the West Bank
The Israel Defense Forces announced that the 228th Brigade, operating under the 210th Division, completed its three-month mission in the security zone on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. The brigade is being replaced by troops from the 2nd Brigade. At the same time, the IDF confirmed that the headquarters of the 98th Division will relocate to the West Bank to assume command of the Judea and Etzion Regional Brigades. The move was ordered by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and is presented as a step to strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities in the area following recent terror incidents.
Operations Conducted in the Syrian Security Zone
During the three-month deployment, Israeli soldiers carried out targeted operations that included questioning dozens of suspects, apprehending several operatives, and dismantling terrorist infrastructure. They also recovered a cache of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, mortar shells, and Kalashnikov rifles. The IDF described the effort as having disrupted hostile networks operating near the Golan Heights.
Syrian President’s Call for Withdrawal
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa responded to the Israeli announcement by demanding a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the security zone. He cited figures supplied by Syrian officials—approximately 500 Israeli airstrikes, more than 1,200 incursions, and 300 detentions—arguing that these actions contradict the broader regional orientation. Al-Sharaa invoked the 1974 agreement and called for Israeli troops to retreat to the line established under that agreement.
Israeli Defense Ministry’s Position
His response framed the Syrian demand as “boastful declarations” made from the United Nations podium.
Security Context in the West Bank
The redeployment of the 98th Division follows a series of recent attacks in the West Bank. An IDF reservist, Neria Leiter—an American citizen and son of Ambassador Yechiel Leiter—was seriously wounded in a car-ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint on Route 443 near Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut. Earlier the same day, two Palestinians were reported to have attempted to run over a farm owner in the Hebron Hills. Israeli officials linked these incidents to the decision to reinforce command structures in the territory.