Israel Declines to Exit Syria Buffer Zone
France and the UN have stated that Israel's occupation of the Syrian demilitarized zone constitutes a "violation" of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
France and the UN have urged West Jerusalem to honor Syria's "territorial integrity" by withdrawing its troops from the demilitarized area.
A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that Israeli troops would continue to operate within the UN-monitored buffer zone between Israel and Syria. This announcement followed France's and the UN’s calls, alongside several regional nations, for Israel to remove its forces from the demilitarized region.
Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed plans for the Israel Defense Forces to create a temporary “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria aimed at countering any “terrorist threat” that may arise following the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s administration.
Israeli forces had previously taken control of the demilitarized buffer zone set up in 1974, expanding their presence beyond the Golan Heights, which they have occupied since 1967.
In response to this expansion, France and the UN released statements labeling the Israeli actions as “a violation” of the disengagement agreement, both urging Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity.
Oren Marmorstein, the Israeli foreign ministry spokesman, defended the actions on X, describing them as “necessary for defensive reasons due to threats posed by jihadist groups operating near the border.” He emphasized that Israel will “continue to act to defend itself and ensure the security of its citizens as needed.”
Additionally, a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the current military arrangement is “temporary” but will remain in place until “security on our border can be guaranteed.”
Israel gained control of most of the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967. Netanyahu asserted on Monday that Israel plans to maintain complete control over the Golan Heights adjacent to the DMZ “forever,” deeming it an “inseparable part” of the Jewish state.
In recent days, Israel has conducted approximately 480 airstrikes on Syria, reportedly targeting weapons stockpiles and naval vessels associated with Assad’s forces, which have come under the influence of armed opposition groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, following significant territorial changes last weekend.
In an interview with Channel 4 on Wednesday, a spokesman for HTS refrained from strongly condemning the Israeli strikes, instead emphasizing the desire for “everyone” to respect the sovereignty of “the new Syria.”
Both Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have expressed their disapproval of Israel's actions. Riyadh claimed earlier this week that West Jerusalem is attempting to “sabotage” Syria’s efforts to achieve “security, stability and territorial integrity.” Ankara echoed these sentiments, accusing Israel of seeking to undermine and “jeopardize” peace prospects in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked on Tuesday, “Israel, which destroyed Gaza, now threatens the future of our Syrian brothers and sisters.”
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that Israeli troops would continue to operate within the UN-monitored buffer zone between Israel and Syria. This announcement followed France's and the UN’s calls, alongside several regional nations, for Israel to remove its forces from the demilitarized region.
Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed plans for the Israel Defense Forces to create a temporary “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria aimed at countering any “terrorist threat” that may arise following the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s administration.
Israeli forces had previously taken control of the demilitarized buffer zone set up in 1974, expanding their presence beyond the Golan Heights, which they have occupied since 1967.
In response to this expansion, France and the UN released statements labeling the Israeli actions as “a violation” of the disengagement agreement, both urging Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity.
Oren Marmorstein, the Israeli foreign ministry spokesman, defended the actions on X, describing them as “necessary for defensive reasons due to threats posed by jihadist groups operating near the border.” He emphasized that Israel will “continue to act to defend itself and ensure the security of its citizens as needed.”
Additionally, a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the current military arrangement is “temporary” but will remain in place until “security on our border can be guaranteed.”
Israel gained control of most of the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967. Netanyahu asserted on Monday that Israel plans to maintain complete control over the Golan Heights adjacent to the DMZ “forever,” deeming it an “inseparable part” of the Jewish state.
In recent days, Israel has conducted approximately 480 airstrikes on Syria, reportedly targeting weapons stockpiles and naval vessels associated with Assad’s forces, which have come under the influence of armed opposition groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, following significant territorial changes last weekend.
In an interview with Channel 4 on Wednesday, a spokesman for HTS refrained from strongly condemning the Israeli strikes, instead emphasizing the desire for “everyone” to respect the sovereignty of “the new Syria.”
Both Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have expressed their disapproval of Israel's actions. Riyadh claimed earlier this week that West Jerusalem is attempting to “sabotage” Syria’s efforts to achieve “security, stability and territorial integrity.” Ankara echoed these sentiments, accusing Israel of seeking to undermine and “jeopardize” peace prospects in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked on Tuesday, “Israel, which destroyed Gaza, now threatens the future of our Syrian brothers and sisters.”
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
