The Israeli army took control of the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights and some strategic points on the Syrian border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he instructed the army to seize the buffer zone and “critical points”.
According to Netanyahu, this step Bashar Assad It is considered as a temporary measure against potential attacks against Israel with the collapse of the regime. However, this situation was condemned by some Arab countries.
Location and Control Status of the Golan Heights
Golan Heightsa rocky plateau located in southwestern Syria and northeastern Israel. The region in 1967 Six Day War It was occupied by Israel during At that time, Syria attacked Israel from the Golan, and Israel responded and took control of an area of 1200 square kilometers.
1973 Yom Kippur WarAlthough Syria tried to take back the region in 2014, it was unsuccessful. In 1974, the parties signed a ceasefire agreement providing for the creation of a buffer zone. Since this date, the UN has been monitoring whether the parties in the region comply with the agreement. However, Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights is not recognized by the international community. The US’s recognition of the occupation in 2019, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, was an exception in this regard.
Strategic Value of the Golan Heights
Golan HeightsControl of gives Israel a strategic advantage. From here it is possible to observe a wide region, including Damascus, the capital of Syria. It also forms a natural line of defense against attacks from Syria, as in the 1973 War. The region is also an important water source. Rainwater flowing from the Golan feeds the Jordan River and contributes to agricultural activities in the surrounding area.
Population Living in the Region
Golan HeightsAfter Israel took control in , thousands of Syrians had to leave the region. Today, there are approximately 30 Jewish settlements and 20 thousand settlers live here. In addition, approximately 20 thousand Druze who did not flee after the Israeli occupation continue to reside in the region. These Israeli settlement activities are considered contrary to international law, but Israel denies this.
Latest Developments and Reactions in the Golan Heights
Israel’s recent Golan HeightsThe steps he took in 2017 created controversy in the international arena. The Israeli army went beyond the demilitarized zone on the Syrian border and created new defense lines. Netanyahu stated that these moves aim to ensure border security in case peaceful relations cannot be established with the new forces in Syria. However, this step was described as a violation of Syrian territory by some Arab countries such as Egypt.
International experts state that there are question marks regarding the legitimacy of Israel’s move. Professor from London-based Chatham House. Yossi Mekelberg points out that Israel’s military moves may negatively affect relations with Syria in the future.
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