Six Israeli military vehicles entered Syria’s Quneitra countryside on Monday and stopped residents from digging foundations for construction south of al-Rafid, Syrian state television reported.
Work halted near al-Rafid
The vehicles advanced south of the town in the southwestern province, where residents were preparing foundations. Israeli forces prevented them from continuing the work. No further details were given about the residents or the proposed construction.
In a separate incident, the broadcaster said Israeli forces blew up an abandoned military barracks at Tal Harboun, near Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside.
Dispute over Israeli deployments
Israel has expanded its military presence in southern Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s government fell on December 8, 2024. Its forces have moved into the demilitarised buffer zone and positions near the occupied Golan Heights.
Damascus has called for Israeli forces to withdraw and says Syria remains committed to the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israel says its operations are intended to address security concerns.
The reported construction stoppage comes amid continuing disagreement over Israeli military activity in southern Syria and the status of territory around the Golan Heights.
