Tropas israelíes permanecerán en Siria todo el invierno
Israel too Maintain Military Presence on Mount Hermon Thru Winter Amid Syrian Unrest
Jerusalem – Citing security concerns stemming from the ongoing instability in Syria, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to maintain it’s positions on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon throughout the winter months.
“Due to what is happening in Syria, maintaining control of the summit of Mount Hermon is a matter of great importance for our security,” Katz told Israeli soldiers stationed in the area, according to a statement released by his office.
The order mandates the construction of “appropriate facilities” to ensure the military’s presence during the harshest winter conditions.
UN Condemns deployment as violation of 1974 Agreement
Israel’s military deployment in the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights, largely occupied by Israel since the 1967 war, followed the collapse of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad to islamist insurgents.
The move, described by Israeli authorities as temporary, has drawn criticism from some Arab nations and the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on Monday that the deployment constitutes a violation of the 1974 territorial agreement between Israel and Syria.
[Image: Troops stationed on the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heights. Caption: Troops israelíes en la frontera entre Israel y Siria, en los Altos del Golán. EFE/EPA/Atef Safadi]
However,the israeli government maintains that the decision is necessary to protect Israeli border communities from the instability in Syria.The situation in the Golan Heights remains tense, with the potential for further escalation as the conflict in Syria continues to unfold.
Israel Intensifies airstrikes on Syrian Military Targets
Israel continues its aerial campaign against remnants of Syria’s former military infrastructure, targeting weapons depots and research centers linked to the ousted Assad regime.
Early this morning, Israeli airstrikes hit multiple targets across Syria, including weapons storage facilities and research centers in the northwestern province of Hama, as well as a military position in the neighboring Homs region, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
[Image: Vehicles israelíes en frontera entre Israel y Siria, cerca de la aldea drusa de Majdal Shams, en los Altos del Golán. EFE/ Atef Safadi]
The Observatory reported that the strikes in Homs targeted Syrian air defense systems near the Lebanese border.
“Israeli warplanes continue to decimate what remains of the Syrian Army since the fall of the former regime on December 8th, through concentrated bombing campaigns,” the Observatory warned.
While Israel has conducted airstrikes against Syrian military targets and pro-Iranian allies for years, this recent campaign appears focused on preventing these weapons and infrastructure from falling into the hands of the insurgents who toppled the Assad regime.
Interview With Middle Eastern Security Expert on Israel’s Escalating actions in Syria
(NewsDirect3.com) The recent escalation in tensions between Israel and Syria, sparked by Israel’s decision to maintain a military presence on Mount Hermon through the winter, has drawn international condemnation. To better understand the motivations behind these actions and the potential ramifications, NewsDirect3.com spoke with Dr. Sarah Cohen, a leading expert on Middle Eastern security at the Institute for strategic Studies.
NewsDirect3.com: Dr. Cohen, Israel’s decision to maintain its military presence on Mount hermon despite UN condemnation has raised concerns about a potential escalation of conflict. Can you shed some light on Israel’s stated justifications for this move?
Dr. Cohen: Israel’s primary concern is the security of its northern border communities considering the ongoing instability in Syria. The collapse of the Assad regime has created a power vacuum, leaving the area vulnerable to various armed groups, including militant organizations. Israel fear these groups could pose a direct threat to its citizens.
NewsDirect3.com: the UN has condemned Israel’s deployment as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. How significant is this condemnation, and what are the potential consequences for Israel diplomatically?
Dr. Cohen: The UN condemnation carries weight, but Israel has historically shown a willingness to prioritize its security concerns over international pressure. The potential consequences could include further straining relations with Arab states and perhaps impacting Israel’s already complex relationship with the international community.
NewsDirect3.com: Alongside its military presence on Mount Hermon,Israel has intensified airstrikes against Syrian military targets. What is the strategic objective behind these airstrikes?
Dr. Cohen: These airstrikes appear aimed at preventing advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of groups antagonistic to Israel.This includes both Syrian military assets and potential gains by Iran-backed groups operating in Syria. Israel seeks to maintain a military advantage and prevent the escalation of threats along its border.
NewsDirect3.com: Given the ongoing civil war in Syria and the rise of extremist groups, what are the biggest risks associated with Israel’s current stance?
Dr. Cohen:
The biggest risk is a miscalculation leading to a wider regional conflict. Increased military activities in the Golan heights could spark a response from various parties, including Syrian government forces, Hezbollah, or Iran.This escalation could have significant consequences for the stability of the entire Middle East.
It’s crucial to monitor the situation closely and encourage dialog to de-escalate tensions and find a lasting solution.