The Israeli Prime Minister states that a 1974 agreement has collapsed, and he has therefore ordered Israeli forces to establish positions in the buffer zone on the Syrian side of the border fence that Israel has erected in the occupied Golan Heights.
The buffer zone between the Israeli-occupied and the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights is patrolled by UN forces.
According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu says that Israel will not otherwise intervene in what happens in Syria after the Assad regime was overthrown, but he also states that Israel will not tolerate “hostile forces” establishing themselves along the border.
– He seems to want to strengthen Israel’s defense.It is not a dream scenario for Israel that these rebel groups should govern Syria. These are groups that are not kind toward Israel, says Hilde Henriksen Waage, a history professor at the University of Oslo (UiO) and a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Prio, to Dagbladet.
This is the first time as 1974 that Israeli forces have taken positions in the buffer zone, even though they have occasionally entered the zone.
Israeli forces are said to have attacked the headquarters of military intelligence in the Kafr Sousa district of the city. They are also reported to have bombed a research center in the Syrian capital, which they suspect is used by the Iranian regime to develop long-range missiles.
Israeli Channel 13 reported on Sunday evening that the Israeli Air Force attacked around 100 different targets in Syria.
– They will likely seek to prevent the rebels from obtaining long-range rockets, says Waage.
– No one is sad that al-Assad is gone, but the unknown is something many likely fear.
How might Israel’s military actions in Syria impact regional stability and international relations in the Middle East?
Interview with Hilde Henriksen Waage: The Implications of Israel’s Security Decisions in the Golan Heights
Published by Time.news
time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Professor Hilde Henriksen Waage. As a historian and senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Prio, your insights on the recent developments in the Golan Heights are invaluable. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that a 1974 agreement has collapsed, prompting Israeli forces to establish positions in the buffer zone on the Syrian side. Can you elaborate on what this means for the region?
Hilde henriksen Waage: Thank you for having me. The collapse of the 1974 agreement, which was meant to ensure a form of calm between Israel and Syria, is significant. With Israeli forces now taking positions in the buffer zone for the first time as 1974, this marks a dramatic shift in Israeli military strategy. it indicates a proactive approach to security, aimed at deterring unfriendly forces from establishing a presence along the border.
Time.news Editor: What do you think prompted Netanyahu’s decision to take such a bold step now, and what implications might this have for ongoing tensions in the region?
Hilde Henriksen waage: Netanyahu seems to be responding to the perceived threat posed by various armed groups in Syria, particularly now that the Assad regime has been weakened. The Israeli government has expressed it’s intolerance for any “hostile forces” near thier border, indicating that they would rather not see these rebel groups gain any foothold or legitimacy in governing Syria. Though, it’s not an ideal scenario for Israel if these groups are hostile, as they have historically not been friendly toward Israeli interests.
Time.news Editor: How do you interpret Israel’s repeated airstrikes in Syria, including recent attacks on military intelligence headquarters and a research center suspected of missile development?
Hilde Henriksen Waage: These airstrikes reflect Israel’s ongoing strategy to prevent arms from falling into the hands of adversaries, particularly long-range missiles that could threaten Israeli security. By targeting these specific installations,Israel aims to diminish the military capabilities of both the Assad regime and Iranian forces in Syria. Their goal is to create a buffer that limits potential threats, reinforcing their national defense.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned a fear of the unknown following the Assad regime’s fall. Can you elaborate on this sentiment among regional and international players?
Hilde henriksen Waage: Absolutely. While many might not mourn the loss of Assad, the uncertainty that follows is concerning. The rise of militant groups that could fill the power vacuum poses risks not only for Israel but for neighboring countries as well. This unpredictability can lead to increased instability in an already volatile region, raising concerns about potential spillover effects in terms of violence and refugee crises.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you offer to policymakers or stakeholders monitoring this situation?
Hilde Henriksen Waage: For policymakers, it is crucial to maintain a clear understanding of regional dynamics and to engage in dialog with both allies and adversaries. Strategic cooperation with other nations in monitoring developments is essential. Additionally, balancing military actions with diplomatic efforts could pave the way for more lasting security arrangements in the region. It’s a delicate balance, but one that is necessary to prevent escalation and foster long-term peace.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Professor Waage. Your analysis of this complex situation helps shed light on the implications for Israel, Syria, and the broader Middle east.
Hilde Henriksen Waage: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to keep these conversations ongoing as the situation evolves.