Israel-Syria Tension: Tensions are resurgent between Israel and Syria, with the Jerusalem Post reporting that Syria’s new leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani has urged the United States to pressure Israel into annexing Syria’s buffer zone, which includes Mount Hermon. Also included, step back from. The move has been highlighted in Israeli media and highlights the fragility of Israel-Syria relations, increasing the risk of potential conflict. However, Israeli officials say that they have not received any formal information on this matter.
This demand made by Abu Mohammad al-Julani to America indicates a change in Syria’s diplomacy. Since taking power, he has sought to recapture Syrian areas that are under Israeli occupation. This time his focus is on the buffer zone, a paramilitary zone established after the Six-Day War of 1967 to reduce hostilities between the two countries. This area also includes the Syrian part of Mount Hermon, which is very important strategically.
Urge America to mediate
Al-Julani’s request for mediation by America shows that Syria’s leadership may now be more aggressive regarding its regional disputes. Al-Julani, who was once wanted by the US for his links to al-Qaeda, recently became Syria’s leader. Although he has tried to distance himself from his past extremist ties, there is still international skepticism about his leadership, especially in Israel, where it is seen as a threat to national security.
Why is buffer zone important?
The military and strategic importance of the buffer zone is immense. Mount Hermon in particular is a location from which large areas can be monitored, including the Syrian capital Damascus. Israel has maintained a presence in the region since the 1967 war and considers it essential to its security.
In contrast, Syria considers this area and Mount Hermon as part of its sovereignty. For decades, Syrian leaders have demanded the return of these areas, but with no success. Abu Mohammed al-Julani’s renewed focus on the issue indicates that Syria’s new administration may adopt a more aggressive stance in its foreign policy, increasing the possibility of military conflict.
Israel’s response no compromise on security
Israeli officials have made their position clear on the issue of Mount Hermon. A senior Israeli security official told Kan News that Israel will not compromise on its security. However, he also said that he has not yet received any formal message on this issue. The Israeli military has long maintained a presence in the buffer zone, particularly around Mount Hermon. The region serves as an important security zone to defend against enemies such as Syria and Hezbollah. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has called Mount Hermon “the eye of Israel”, from which Damascus can be kept an eye.
Attempt to remove Israel from the buffer zone
If Syria or its allies try to remove Israel from the buffer zone, it could lead to a military conflict. In recent years, the Israeli military has launched several attacks on Syrian and Iranian targets to prevent any threat near its borders. This tense situation highlights the fragility of peace in the region.
Mixed messages from the Syrian leadership
Despite al-Julani’s aggressive stance, other Syrian officials have offered softer messages. The new governor of Damascus, Maher Marwan, recently said in an interview that Syria has no hostility towards Israel or any other country. Marwan suggested that Israeli activities in the buffer zone may be for security reasons, indicating that the issue could be resolved through dialogue. Marwan’s statements contrast with al-Julani’s aggressive stance, reflecting internal divisions within the Syrian leadership. While some factions are advocating diplomacy, other factions may be preparing more aggressive strategies to reclaim Syrian territory.
Syria’s new government likely to be recognized
The factor that makes this situation more complicated is that America has started the process of recognizing the new Syrian government. According to recent reports, the Biden administration is considering formally recognizing al-Julani’s government. This move would be a significant change from America’s previous policies, which have been based on issues of terrorism and human rights violations. If America recognizes the new Syrian government, it may increase the chances of a peace agreement between Israel and Syria. However, this decision will be taken carefully, as supporting al-Julani may face opposition from Israel and other regional allies.
