Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the 1974 United Nations-monitored Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria has “collapsed,” signaling a significant shift in the security dynamics along the volatile border region.
Netanyahu made the announcement on Sunday during a visit to Mount Bental in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, a strategic vantage point overlooking the Syrian border. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, the prime minister assessed the situation firsthand amidst escalating regional tensions.
“The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East,” Netanyahu stated. He emphasized that the downfall of the Syrian administration presents “new and very significant opportunities for Israel,” while cautioning about the inherent risks of the unfolding scenario.
In response to the changing landscape, Netanyahu revealed that he has ordered Israeli forces to enter the previously demilitarized buffer zone established by the 1974 agreement. The move aims to prevent hostile entities from gaining a foothold near Israel’s northern frontier. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border,” he affirmed, directing a clear message toward Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading rebel advances in Syria.
The prime minister pledged diligent monitoring of developments and assured that Israel would “do whatever is necessary to protect our borders and ensure our security.” Despite the heightened tensions, he expressed hope for “a policy of good neighborliness” with Syria in the future.
Supporting the prime minister’s stance, Defense Minister Katz indicated that, with cabinet approval, he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to “take control of the buffer zone and key vantage points.” The initiative is intended to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, including both Jewish and Druze populations, safeguarding them from potential threats across the border.
The recent actions mark a continuation of Israel’s assertive military posture in the region. Since engaging with Hezbollah in Lebanon in October last year, Israel has intensified its airstrikes in Syria, targeting what it claims are Iran- and Hezbollah-affiliated militias and operations.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, aware that shifts in this region could have far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern stability.
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Israeli PM: 1974 UN-monitored Disengagement Agreement defunct
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