Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, violating previous agreements and expanding its territory. This aggressive posture, viewed as opportunistic amidst regional instability, faces little resistance from the international community or Arab states. Support from the U.S., particularly during the Trump administration, has further emboldened Israeli actions, despite calls for intervention from regional leaders.
In the wake of the December 2024 fall of the Bashar al-Assad government, Israel has expanded its presence in the Golan Heights by seizing a demilitarized buffer zone, defying the 1974 disengagement agreement. Concurrently, Israel has intensified its airstrikes against Syrian military installations, as it maneuvers to occupy more territory and restrict Syrian citizens under a guise of creating buffer zones, with Israeli forces located just 20 kilometers from Damascus.
Israel appears emboldened by its military actions in Gaza, where it used advanced American weaponry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed confidence that the war has opened doors for peace agreements with Arab nations, asserting that these developments could significantly reshape the Middle Eastern landscape.
While Israel moves forward with these aggressive actions, Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has called for urgent international intervention to halt Israel’s violations in Syria. Yet, there exists a conspicuous reluctance from Arab nations to apply any real pressure on the West regarding military support for Israel amid its ongoing aggression.
Despite the lack of decisive action from Arab states, Israel, seemingly backed by the U.S., has initiated efforts to alter the demographic landscape of the West Bank. Proposed changes include a bill in the U.S. Congress to rename the occupied regions and plans to establish a Jewish state extended to encompass all Palestinian and adjacent Arab territories.
Turkey, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has condemned Israel’s actions, despite its own economic relationship with Israel. Given the current fragility of the Syrian governing system and the inaction from Arab countries, Israel seems to be positioning Syria as a target for territorial expansion.
Netanyahu’s expansionist agenda is strengthened by support from U.S. leadership, notably Donald Trump, who recognized Israeli claims over the Golan Heights in violation of international law, further affirming Israel’s aggressive stance in the region.
In summary, Israel’s actions in Syria reflect a broader strategy motivated by perceived opportunities following the instability created by the Assad government’s collapse. With international and regional responses largely ineffective, Israel’s expansionist policies are expected to continue unchallenged. This situation underlines the complex dynamics in the Middle East and the apparent impunity with which Israel operates.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
