Russia has strengthened its military presence in southern Syria near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to avert potential escalations from Israel, as reported by Al Akhbar. Israel’s construction of a separation wall has been accused of violating a long-standing ceasefire with Syria. Russian forces are enhancing operations against extremist groups, while Israeli airstrikes in Syria have significantly increased, raising regional tensions.
The Russian military has enhanced its presence at nine observation posts in southern Syria in coordination with the Syrian government in an effort to prevent potential escalations from Israel, as reported by the Lebanese publication Al Akhbar on November 19. These reinforced posts are located near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in the Daraa and Quneitra governorates, where Israel is reportedly undertaking construction of a separation wall along the disengagement zone, similar to those established along its borders with other regions.
Recent accusations from the United Nations have suggested that Israel is in violation of a long-standing ceasefire agreement with Syria by initiating construction on this separation wall. Photographic evidence from satellite sources has confirmed extensive construction work, including road paving extending approximately 7.5 kilometers along the Alpha Line, protected by Israeli armored vehicles and tanks. This construction effort has raised tensions in the region, prompting Israeli officials, such as Knesset member and former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman, to issue stark warnings regarding Syrian support for hostile forces.
In response to these developments, Russian and Syrian forces have intensified their joint operations targeting western-supported extremist groups within Syria. Al Akhbar reported that Russian forces are conducting both aerial and ground surveillance missions to bolster security, facilitate the return of displaced residents, and ensure stability in the region, which was once home to Israeli-backed militants prior to the reestablishment of control by the Damascus government through a Russia-mediated disengagement agreement.
Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, a columnist for The Cradle, Haidar Mustafa, emphasized that all Israeli actions in the Golan Heights, including the establishment of Israeli citizenship, expansion of settlements, and attempts to construct a separation wall, constitute serious violations of international law. In recent months, Israeli airstrikes against Syria have escalated, particularly since the outbreak of hostilities in Lebanon in late September, with notable strikes occurring in proximity to the Russian Hmeimim Airbase, prompting enhancements to Moscow’s air defense systems.
The Golan Heights, a strategic region, has been a focal point of conflict between Israel and Syria, particularly since Israel’s occupation of the area during the 1967 Six-Day War. The complexities of this territorial dispute have drawn in multiple actors, including Russia, which has positioned itself as a key player in Syria amidst the ongoing civil war. Recently, increased Israeli military activities have led to heightened tensions in the region, prompting Russian military reinforcements to ensure stability and support for the Syrian regime.
The increased presence of Russian forces near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights underscores the ongoing complexity of the Israeli-Syrian conflict and the broader geopolitical struggles in the region. With heightened Israeli military activities and the construction of a separation wall, tensions are likely to persist, necessitating continued monitoring and engagement from international stakeholders, including Russia which aims to maintain its influence and support for the Syrian government.
Original Source: thecradle.co
