Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a provocative move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently set foot in southern Syrian territory, an area where Israeli forces have remained since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. Accompanied by key officials such as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Shin Bet head David Zini, this visit has incited strong backlash from both Syria and the United Nations.

The tour focused on parts of the Golan Heights, which serves as a UN-monitored buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian military forces. Israel's military presence has persisted here since rebel factions overtook Assad's government, with claims that they aim to safeguard the Druze population in Syria that shares familial ties with Israeli Druze citizens.

Syrian authorities have denounced the visit as a breach of their sovereignty, with Syria's ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, accusing Israel of ongoing hostilities toward Syria and its citizens. He urged the Security Council for immediate intervention to uphold relevant resolutions, including the 1974 disengagement agreement post the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Olabi pointed out that Israel has frequently violated Syrian airspace and territory without facing significant retaliation from Syria.

In light of the visit, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric remarked that it raises significant concerns, reiterating that UN Resolution 2799 underscores Syria's full sovereignty and integrity.

During a Security Council meeting, Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, avoided commenting directly on Netanyahu's visit and instead turned his criticisms towards Syria, asserting that Syria's failure to manage militias threatens religious minority safety. He demanded assurances that Syria is steering away from extremism. In response, Olabi countered with reminders of over 1,000 Israeli airstrikes and more than 400 ground actions executed in Syria since Assad’s displacement, emphasizing that Syria has opted for diplomacy and shown no aggression toward Israel.

The Israeli military has recently stepped up its presence in southern Syria, including a newly established checkpoint in Quneitra province. Syrian officials warn these actions exacerbate regional instability, suggesting that while there are discussions for a security pact between the two nations, Netanyahu's visit reinforces existing distrust and highlights Israel's strategic ambitions in southern Syria.

This ongoing situation exemplifies the fragile dynamics in the region, where historical disputes regarding territory and sovereignty continue to influence relations between Israel and Syria.

#Global