Since December 2024, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria and occupied much of a UN-patrolled demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the armistice line. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed ongoing talks to establish a demilitarized corridor extending from the Golan Heights south of Damascus to the Al-Suweida province. The proposed zone aims to create a weapons-free area and a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid delivery to the Druze community in Al-Suweida. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's focus on protecting the Druze population and has engaged with Druze community leaders, including Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif. Meanwhile, the Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's actions as a gross violation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement, with Damascus viewing Israel's moves as an attempt to impose a de facto order in southern Syria. Israeli Defense Forces have intensified strikes near Damascus amid these developments.