A group of Syrian men from the Druze minority crossed into Israeli-occupied Golan Heights through a UN-monitored buffer zone, marking the first time in five decades that Druze leaders have visited religious sites and communities in the area. The visit signals a shift in Israel’s strategy along its frontier with Syria and demonstrates its expanding military control of Syrian territory.
The buffer zone was established after the 1973 War, when Israel occupied and annexed Syrian territory in the Golan Heights. Last December, Israel moved troops into the buffer zone despite a ceasefire agreement that bans military forces or equipment from either side. The country has since set up military outposts in the zone, including on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.
Israel’s defense minister, Yisrael Katz, said his forces are “preparing to stay in Syria for an indefinite period.” The country has also carried out repeated incursions into southern Syria and warned that it would act against any Syrian government forces or other armed groups who enter Syrian provinces south of Damascus.
The visit by religious leaders is a signal of Israel’s new strategy, which appears to be driven more by security concerns than humanitarian motivations. While the Israeli government claims to want to protect Druze communities in Syria, not all Druze accept this explanation.
“The main issue is that Israel wants to secure its border,” said Nabi al-Halabi, a Druze activist in the Golan Heights. “The border is the main thing, not us.” The visit by religious leaders has sparked hopes among some Druze that Syria’s new government may offer greater autonomy for their community.
Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has familial roots in the occupied Golan Heights and has proposed a 12-point plan giving the Druze minority limited autonomy within Syria. The activist believes that if the Syrian regime is democratic and respects human rights, Druze living in the Golan may welcome the change.
The visit by Druze leaders marks a significant shift in Israel’s approach to its frontier with Syria, highlighting concerns about security and border control while also raising questions about humanitarian motivations and the future of the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62z05wpdj4o