Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel for nearly 60 years, will remain part of the Israel “for eternity”, during a press conference in Jerusalem. Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli control of the plateau is crucial for national security and sovereignty. He added, “The Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity.”
This statement comes amid growing international criticism following Israel’s recent military actions in Syria. Over the weekend, Netanyahu ordered Israeli troops to enter a United Nations-patrolled buffer zone in Syrian-controlled territory and launched airstrikes on weapons depots belonging to Syrian forces. This escalation follows the dramatic shift in Syria’s frontlines, as Syrian rebels scored a shock victory over President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
UN condemned Israel’s actions, citing a breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria, which established the buffer zone to prevent military activity. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called on both Israel and Syria to uphold the terms of the agreement to maintain regional stability.
Israel’s airstrikes targeted strategic military sites across Syria, including chemical weapon stockpiles, long-range missiles, and missile systems, with the aim of preventing arms from falling into the hands of hostile actors. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar justified the actions, stressing the need to protect Israel from extremist threats.
The deployment of Israeli forces in Syrian territory raised concerns among neighboring countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which condemned the move as a violation of international law. United States, while calling for a temporary presence, did not specify a withdrawal timeline.
The instability in Syria has prompted multiple regional powers to assert control over various territories. As Assad’s downfall leaves Syria in disarray, both Israeli and Turkish forces are moving to safeguard their interests. Meanwhile, the US has intensified airstrikes against ISIS in central Syria to prevent the group from exploiting the chaos.
