The United Nations has expressed criticism toward Israel for breaching the 1974 disengagement agreement.
On Sunday, following the fall of Damascus to rebel forces and the departure of Syrian President Bashar Assad to Moscow, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops had entered a buffer zone between Israel and Syria near the Golan Heights. Netanyahu stated that the operation was intended to prevent potential threats stemming from the chaotic situation in Syria.
“We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border,” Netanyahu asserted.
Over the subsequent 48 hours, Israel carried out an extensive series of airstrikes against military and naval targets within Syria. These operations were focused on neutralizing chemical weapons stockpiles and missile installations.
The IDF’s actions within the buffer zone were met with criticism from both Russia and Saudi Arabia. However, the United States came to Israel’s defense. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explained in a press briefing that “the Syrian army abandoned its positions in the area … which potentially creates a vacuum that could have been filled by terrorist organizations.”
Miller emphasized that Israel described its actions as temporary measures taken to protect its borders. “These are not permanent actions … We support all sides upholding the 1974 disengagement agreement,” he added.
Israeli leaders maintain that the steps taken were necessary to ensure regional security amidst the ongoing instability in Syria. However, the moves have sparked fresh debate about compliance with international agreements, particularly in such a fragile and volatile environment.
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