'Israel' scheming to divide Syria into cantons: Israeli media
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Israeli officials have proposed establishing an international summit that would discuss splitting Syria into smaller administrative divisions.
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Israeli soldiers stand on armored vehicles inside the buffer zone near the so-called 'disengagement line' that separates the occupied Golan Heights from Syria, viewed from the town of Majdal Shams, on Saturday, December 21, 2024. (AP)
Israeli government and security officials have been covertly scheming to establish an international summit that would propose the division of Syria into cantons, under the guise that it would preserve the rights and safety of all the diverse ethnic groups within the country, the Times of Israel reported.
According to Israel Hayom, the officials discussed the plot in December, right after the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, with Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen proposing an international summit that would discuss its possibility.
The latest developments reportedly stemmed from a security cabinet meeting chaired by Security Minister Israel Katz two days ago, preceding an upcoming discussion led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Additionally, the ministers discussed Turkiye’s growing influence in Syria, strategies to counter it, concerns about the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, and fears regarding the safety of Druze and Kurdish minorities.
The proposed international summit allegedly aims to enable "Israel" to address threats from former rebel groups that have ascended power and do not adhere to the longstanding Israeli-Syrian ceasefire agreement.
"The main fear is that an idea that is identified with Israel will necessarily not be accepted in Syria, which is why the discussions on the matter are classified," Israel Hayom further stated.
Read next: Western strategist: Sykes-Picot was not enough division, more required
The occupation of Syria
The Israeli occupation has taken advantage of the recent political shift in Syria, marked by the armed opposition's rise to power and the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's government. Exploiting the instability, the occupation has intensified its aggression by targeting Syria's military infrastructure, destroying vital facilities, and occupying an estimated 600 square kilometers of southern Syrian territory.
This comes after Israeli media reported that the Israeli military is preparing for an extended presence in Syria.
According to Walla, "Despite pressure from European parties on Israel, political leaders have instructed the Israeli army to brace for a prolonged stay in Syrian territory."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously instructed the military to prepare to remain in the Syrian Mount Hermon area and the UN-patrolled buffer zone until at least the end of 2025, Israeli Army Radio reported.
Read more: Syria is free, 'Israel' get out: Frustration grows in Quneitra
