The Israeli army declared the Golan Heights a “closed military zone” Sunday following the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime.
Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the decision was based on security concerns, with schools in Druze areas moving online.
Agricultural zones near Merom Golan and Buq’ata are restricted until December’s end to ensure safety.
Prime Minister Netanyahu credited Assad’s fall to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and Iran, vowing to prevent hostile forces near Israel.
“This collapse has destabilized the buffer zone maintained since 1974,” Netanyahu said, as Israel reinforced its border defenses.
Assad fled after anti-regime forces seized Damascus, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule.
