Arrests and Agricultural Restrictions in Southern Syria as Israeli Incursion Continues

A report published by "Haaretz" shed light on the reality of life in areas where Israeli forces have penetrated southern Syria, discussing raids, arrests, and restrictions on civilian movement and farmers' access to their lands.

The report, published by the newspaper on September 25, relied on testimonies from dozens of residents and former detainees, alongside statements from Israeli reserve soldiers, Syrian officials, and data from local organizations. It also included responses from the Israeli army and the Prison Service regarding its contents.

Military deployment spanning hundreds of kilometers

According to "Haaretz," Israeli forces maintain a military presence over an area of approximately 600 square kilometers, extending across dozens of villages and towns in Quneitra and parts of western rural Daraa, with the establishment of nine military posts.

The Israeli army links this deployment, as reported, to security considerations related to border protection and preventing armed entities from establishing positions near the Golan Heights.

However, residents who spoke to the newspaper described a daily impact of this presence that goes beyond the military posts, pointing to raids conducted during nighttime hours, searches of homes, vehicles, and phones, as well as sudden checkpoints and identity verification procedures for passersby and facial photography.

Nighttime raids and 17 demolished homes

The report stated that Israeli forces have demolished 17 homes since the start of their deployment in the area, citing local journalists following developments in Quneitra and western Daraa.

The newspaper also carried testimonies about home invasions late at night, some ending in the arrest of individuals whose families say they later did not know their detention location or the clear reason for their arrest.

The report presents the case of the Al-Bashir family in Quneitra as an example, stating that an Israeli force raided their home searching for one of its members, and when they did not find him, they detained his minor brother Ali Al-Bashir, according to the narrative relayed by "Haaretz."

248 arrests since late 2024

According to data cited by the newspaper from the "Sajil" center, 248 cases of arrests of Syrians were recorded between December 8, 2024, and September 1, 2026, with most detainees released after varying periods.

The report indicates that some detainees were transferred inside Israel, where they were held in facilities including Sde Teiman and Kishon, in addition to Ofer Prison in the West Bank.

According to the data provided by the newspaper, the number of Syrians transferred to these centers exceeded 60 people, while dozens remain in detention, according to sources who spoke to the newspaper.

From arrests to agricultural restrictions

The impact of the military deployment does not stop at security operations; the report discusses direct repercussions on agricultural activity, particularly in Quneitra and areas adjacent to the Yarmouk Valley.

Farmers said they face difficulty accessing their lands located near the border fence or within zones subject to military presence, depriving some of them from cultivating land they rely on for their livelihood.

Residents also spoke of damages affecting agricultural lands, pastures, and beehives due to military measures in areas close to Israeli sites.

Different Israeli narrative

In contrast, "Haaretz" conveyed the response of the Israeli army, which stated that its forces' activity in southern Syria is based on political-level directives and security assessments, aiming to protect Golan residents, secure borders, and prevent armed entities it considers hostile from consolidating their presence in the region.

According to the army, arrests target individuals suspected of involvement in activities threatening Israel or its forces, and some detainees were returned to Syria after investigations concluded without proof of involvement in armed activities.

The Israeli Prison Service noted that it does not comment on details regarding security prisoners or their places of detention.

Source: Haaretz