Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli troops will remain in control of territory seized in Syria, amid tensions with the new Syrian leadership. During a visit to the region, Mr. Netanyahu vowed that Israeli forces would stay until another arrangement is found that guarantees Israel’s security.
The prime minister made the statement while meeting with military officers in the recently captured territory near Mount Hermon, which Israel controls. The area has seen significant fighting since rebels toppled President Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu said it makes him nostalgic to be back at the summit of Mount Hermon, where he first visited 53 years ago.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Syria’s new leadership and Israel over the country’s expanded military presence across the de facto border. The Syrian National Army has criticized Israel’s actions, with leader Ahmed al-Shara saying they violate a 1974 armistice agreement.
Israel has pushed beyond areas it controls in the Golan Heights, capturing land including Mount Hermon. The government also approved plans to expand settlements in the region, which could double the area’s population. The Israeli actions have cast a spotlight on the military challenges facing Syria’s new rulers as they struggle to gain territorial control.
US and Turkish forces are also involved in the conflict, with the US bombing targets linked to Islamic State and Turkey supporting Kurdish forces. Russia maintains military bases in Syria but has not made final decisions on their future.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/world/middleeast/17syria-israel-netanyahu.html