Netanyahu Orders Israeli Control Over Golan Heights Following Syrian Withdrawal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he has issued orders to the occupying army to take full control of the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, which is currently under Israeli control. He pointed out that this decision follows the withdrawal of Syrian forces from their positions in accordance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Netanyahu emphasized that the aim of this move is to prevent any hostile forces from congregating along Israel’s borders.
During his visit to the Golan Plateau, Netanyahu described the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime as a “historic day in the Middle East,” considering this collapse a direct result of the continuous Israeli strikes against Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Syrian regime. He explained that this deterioration has led to a series of reactions from forces seeking liberation from “oppression and tyranny.”
For his part, the Israeli Defense Minister stated that these measures are intended to ensure the protection of Israeli settlements in the Golan. He affirmed that Israel will not return to the status quo that existed before 1974, when the Disengagement Agreement was signed. He highlighted the importance of controlling the demilitarized zone as a fundamental step to securing Israel’s borders and preventing any potential threats.
It is noteworthy that the demilitarized zone established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement is overseen by United Nations peacekeeping forces. However, the permanent stationing of Israeli forces in this area marks the first time such an action has been taken, amid ongoing international criticism of Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, which most international powers consider Syrian occupied territory.
