IDF chief says buffer zone in Syria is ‘vital’ for security, as first US lawmakers visit Syria’s new Islamist gov't

Israel’s top military chief, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, on Sunday, visited the buffer zone in Syrian territory that Israel captured upon the collapse of the Assad regime in early December, stressing the area’s strategic importance for Israel’s security.

Zamir’s remarks came as two Republican U.S. lawmakers wrapped up a visit to the war-torn country, highlighting the potential for future disagreements between Israel and the U.S. regarding Syria and its new Islamist regime.

Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) are the first known American lawmakers to visit Syria, traveling on an unofficial trip organized and funded by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity.

Their trip comes amid reports that the United States is considering lifting some of the existing sanctions while also withdrawing a large portion of the American troops remaining in the country.

When the Assad regime collapsed under the onslaught of the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by now-Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the IDF quickly seized a formerly demilitarized zone and several strategic points along the border to discourage and prevent the fighting from spilling over the border.

On Sunday, Zamir toured the area with several senior officers. “This area is a vital area. We entered it following the collapse of Syria, and that’s why we are holding key positions and are on the front lines, to defend ourselves in the best possible way,” he said.

Defense Minister Israel Katz recently reaffirmed that Israel intends to remain in the buffer zone indefinitely to ensure border security.

“From this location, you can see all those positioned along this ridge – it’s a strategic point. We don’t know how things will develop here, but our presence has significant security importance,” the IDF chief continued.

“IDF troops will continue to operate in the security area and protect the residents from any threat.”

Images from war-torn Damascus.

While the city may be in ruins, the freedom-loving spirit of the Syrian people will never be broken. pic.twitter.com/4K8CrAIRuU

— Rep. Marlin Stutzman (@RepStutzman) April 19, 2025

Al-Sharaa’s new Syrian government, which is dominated by Islamists, has strongly protested against Israel’s actions but has so far not taken action, instead appealing to the international community for help.

After meeting al-Sharaa, Mills told Arabic news outlets, "The Syrian president wants to work with Israel, to prevent arms transfers from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon. He was very clear about his desire for a strong relationship with Israel and to be a good neighbor."

The Trump administration has not formally recognized the new government, and harsh Assad-era sanctions remain in place.

“Ultimately, it’s going to be the president’s decision” to lift sanctions or not, Mills told the Associated Press, although “Congress can advise.”

Israeli officials have repeatedly warned against normalizing the new Syrian regime, calling it “a gang – not a legitimate government,” and saying its members “remain jihadists, even if they have donned suits.”

I was honored to accompany Congressman Cory Mills of Florida and Congressman Marlin Stutzman of Indiana on a historic visit to Syria—a trip marked by cultural exploration, historical significance, and meaningful discussions on future cooperation.

During their time in Syria, the… pic.twitter.com/85PMW01Ec5

— Tarek Kteleh, MD. (@tarekktelehmd) April 21, 2025

The Trump administration has not publicly criticized Israel for seizing Syrian territory. However, the two countries have had disagreements over the U.S. withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which Israel fears could fuel Turkish and Iranian ambitions on its northern border.

Al-Sharaa has concentrated on gathering regional support for his administration in recent months, visiting Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He also met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.

Syria is still subject to crippling U.S. sanctions that would have to be lifted for the new government to successfully restore the nation's economy.

The unofficial trip by two Republican lawmakers could be a first step in that direction.

Mills met with al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who reportedly could visit the U.S. soon.

Headed home. Cannot say enough about how impactful this trip has been.

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter.

Syria will be made great again! 🇸🇾 pic.twitter.com/Uod9xFGZTY

— Rep. Marlin Stutzman (@RepStutzman) April 21, 2025

Mills, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told the AP it was “very important to come here to be able to see it for myself, to be with various governmental bodies, to look at the needs of the Syrian people, to look at the needs for the nation for stability.”