Golan Heights Concern as Israel seizes buffer zone

Israeli forces have seized control of a previously demilitarised buffer zone in Syrian-controlled territory in the Golan Heights and attacked what it said were regime weapons depots with airstrikes, as the shock victory of Syrian rebels over Bashar al-Assad reshapes the region's frontlines.

- Bethan McKernan

Speaking at a news conference, the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Saar, said the strikes were to stop arms falling into the hands of those who may want to harm Israel and its citizens.

"That's why we attacked strategic weapons systems, for example, remaining chemical weapons or long-range missiles and rockets, so they will not fall in the hands of extremists," he said. Assad is widely believed to have still possessed large amounts of chemical weapons.