“Operation Good Neighbor”— Israel and the Rise and Fall of the “Southern Syria Region” (SSR)

The article examines the strategic calculations, assessments and dynamics behind Israel’s decision to establish the so called “Southern Syria Region” (SSR) as an undeclared security zone on the Syrian Golan Heights with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War. The article likewise considers Israel’s policy vis-à-vis various rebel groups and other actors in the SSR and ultimately, what led Israel to end its intervention once the Syrian army returned to the area.