Netanyahu Syrian buffer zone/ Israeli PM Mount Hermon visit/ Israel Golan Heights strategy/ buffer zone fortifications/ UN demilitarized zone patrol/ JERUSALEM/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a buffer zone in southern Syria recently seized by Israeli forces following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. The visit underscores Israel’s strategic interest in the area, as it strengthens military fortifications near the Golan Heights.
Netanyahu Tours Syrian Buffer Zone: Quick Looks
- Historic Visit: First time a sitting Israeli leader has entered Syrian territory.
- Buffer Zone Details: Israel seized a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone near the Golan Heights.
- Strategic Importance: Mount Hermon, a key vantage point, visited by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
- Military Fortifications: Israeli forces instructed to secure and fortify the buffer zone.
- UN Involvement: The demilitarized zone has been patrolled by a UN force since 1973.
- Global Recognition: Only the U.S. recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.
Netanyahu Tours Syrian Buffer Zone Amid Regional Tensions
Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic visit to Syrian territory on Tuesday, touring a buffer zone recently seized by Israel in the aftermath of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s ousting by rebel forces. This unprecedented move highlights Israel’s strategic concerns in the region and its plans to solidify its presence along the volatile border.
A Strategic Seizure
The buffer zone, approximately 400 square kilometers (155 square miles) in size, lies adjacent to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Israel captured the Golan Heights during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed the area, a move recognized only by the United States.
Israeli officials view the buffer zone as a critical defensive measure. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized its importance during the tour of Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the region, which spans Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
“The summit of the Hermon is the eyes of the state of Israel to identify our enemies who are nearby and far away,” Katz said.
Fortifying the Buffer Zone
This development reflects Israel’s broader strategy to maintain a stronghold in southern Syria, especially as the region remains unstable following the collapse of Assad’s government.
Mount Hermon and Regional Dynamics
Mount Hermon, which Netanyahu toured during his visit, is strategically significant. The snow-covered peak provides Israel with critical intelligence and surveillance capabilities. It is a key point of contention, with its territory divided between Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, Syria, and Lebanon.
The buffer zone itself has historical significance. It was established as a demilitarized area by the United Nations following the 1973 Mideast war and has been monitored by approximately 1,100 UN troops ever since.
International and Regional Implications
Netanyahu’s visit further underscores the complexity of territorial disputes in the region. While Israel views its actions as defensive and necessary for its security, its presence in Syrian territory is likely to draw criticism from the international community, which largely does not recognize Israeli control over the Golan Heights.
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