Newsroom
After the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Israel seized control of a crucial buffer zone in the Golan Heights, an area that has been a source of ongoing geopolitical tension. This move, which took place on December 8, followed the collapse of Assad’s government and is seen as a strategic shift by Israel. The area, which sits at the intersection of Syria, Lebanon, and the UN demilitarized zone, was previously governed by Syria. The UN has since called on Israel to withdraw, as this action breaches a 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel, which established the buffer zone to prevent direct military confrontation.
This is not the first time Israel has asserted control over parts of the Golan Heights. Israel seized the region during the 1967 Six-Day War, and in 1981, it formally annexed the area, a move that remains unrecognized internationally. The U.S. was the only major country to endorse Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan in 2019. The current situation, with Israeli forces positioned on the peak of Mount Hermon, is a significant escalation that further complicates the region's already tense dynamics.
Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, instructed the military to prepare for a winter stay on Mount Hermon, emphasizing the strategic importance of the area for national security, especially given the unstable situation in Syria. This directive follows months of increased military activity in the region, including airstrikes on Syria by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to extremist groups.
The UN, however, has voiced strong opposition, with Secretary General António Guterres expressing concern over what he called extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty. He urged Israel to comply with the 1974 disengagement agreement, which both sides had previously adhered to, and called for an end to any unauthorized military presence in the region.
Israel has justified its actions by stating that the collapse of the Syrian government effectively nullified the disengagement agreement, giving Israel the right to secure the Golan Heights. The ongoing airstrikes and military presence highlight Israel’s continued efforts to assert control in this strategically vital region, despite growing international calls for de-escalation.
In summary, Israel's latest move to seize and hold the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, along with its ongoing military operations in Syria, has sparked renewed concerns over violations of international agreements and territorial sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, with both Israeli and international forces bracing for further developments.
With info from the BBC
