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Israeli troops bolster their presence on the ground, amidst intensifying military activity on the Golan Heights, as captured in a December 9, 2024, photograph by Mostafa Alkharouf for Anadolu Agency.
“France urges Israel to vacate this zone and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry emphatically stated. Reiterating its “full support” for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan, the ministry underscored the importance of international peacekeepers in the region.
In a swift escalation, israel has expanded its control over portions of the Syrian Golan Heights this week, seizing a UN-monitored demilitarized buffer zone. This action follows shortly after the regime of Bashar Al-Assad collapsed.Hadid fled Syria for Russia, seeking refuge after anti-government forces seized the capital, Damascus, marking the end of the baath Party’s 60-year rule.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly declared the collapse of the UN-monitored disengagement agreement, which formerly established a buffer zone between Israel and Syria. Israeli forces have assumed control of Mount Hermon’s summit along the Syrian border and several other strategic locations. In a series of airstrikes, the Israeli regime targeted military bases, air defense stations, intelligence headquarters, and weapons depots, including long- and short-range missiles and unconventional weaponry, across Syria.
Israel maintains that its military actions within Syrian territory are solely for defensive purposes, aimed at preventing any perceived threats.
what are the historical contexts behind Israel’s military presence in the Golan Heights?
Q&A Interview with Dr. Rachel Cohen, Middle East Affairs Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. With recent developments in the Golan Heights and Israel’s expanded military presence, what are the key factors driving this increase in military activity?
Dr. rachel Cohen: Thank you for having me. The recent escalation can be attributed to the dramatic changes in Syria, particularly following the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. When a ruling government experiences such instability, neighboring countries often reassess their security needs. In this case, israel’s heightened military activity appears to be a preemptive measure against potential threats emerging from Syria’s internal turmoil.
Time.news Editor: France has issued a firm call for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights. How significant is this demand in the context of international relations in the region?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: France’s call is quite significant. The demand stems from the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which has been a cornerstone for maintaining peace in the region. Any military presence in the Israeli-Syrian separation zone is considered a violation of this agreement, according to the United Nations. France’s emphasis on respecting Syria’s sovereignty highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the importance of international peacekeeping forces like UNDOF.
Time.news Editor: Following Israel’s acquisition of parts of the UN-monitored buffer zone, what are the implications for peacekeeping efforts in this volatile region?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Israel’s action to expand its control over portions of the Syrian Golan Heights raises significant concerns about the future of peacekeeping in the area. By essentially declaring the disengagement agreement void, Israel risks destabilizing not just the Golan Heights but also the broader region.The role of international peacekeepers coudl become increasingly challenging, potentially leading to a vacuum of authority that could be exploited by various factions.
Time.news Editor: Israel claims its military actions are purely defensive.Can you shed light on the legitimacy of this stance, considering the ongoing tensions?
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Israel has consistently argued that its military operations are aimed at neutralizing perceived threats and ensuring national security. While it is true that nations often act defensively in the face of immediate threats, the legitimacy of such actions can be questioned. The broader context, including the balance of military power and international law, complicates matters. Countries have the right to defend themselves, but this must be weighed against the repercussions of military actions on regional stability and international relations.
Time.news Editor: what advice would you give to policymakers in both Israel and France regarding the situation in the Golan Heights?
dr. Rachel Cohen: Policymakers must engage in dialog and cooperation to avoid further escalation. For Israel, clarity of intent and maintaining open lines of dialogue with both international players and their regional neighbors is crucial. For France and other nations, a proactive approach in advocating for peacekeeping and diplomatic negotiations is vital. Supporting the UN’s role in the region can facilitate a return to a more stable security environment, which ultimately benefits all parties involved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen,for your insights on this complex topic. It’s crucial for our readers to understand the implications of these developments in the Golan Heights.
Dr. Rachel Cohen: My pleasure! It’s essential that people remain informed about such critical issues, as they have profound implications not just for the region, but for global security and diplomacy.