'Israel' to dig trench in Mount Hermon to block off Lebanon: Exclusive
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Informed sources have told Al Mayadeen that the Israeli occupation is planning on digging a trench in Mount Hermon with the aim of cutting the supply lines to Lebanon.
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Israeli soldiers stand on an armored vehicle after crossing the security fence near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, on Monday, December 16, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli occupation continues its ground incursion into southern Syria, extending its control over new villages for the fifth consecutive day.
An Al Mayadeen correspondent reported on Monday morning that Israeli occupation forces have expanded their presence to a depth of 26 km from the slopes of Mount Hermon into southern Damascus’s countryside, along the border with Lebanon.
In the eastern sector of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, Israeli forces have advanced approximately 12 km into Quneitra Province and its eastern countryside.
Sources informed Al Mayadeen that Israeli forces deployed engineering equipment toward the area previously known as the Beit Jinn gap on the slopes of Mount Hermon. This move is reportedly aimed at digging trenches to prevent potential links with Lebanese territories.
The sources added that the Beit Jinn gap served as a critical supply line for the Lebanese Resistance before 2011 and has been a focal point in recent tensions with Lebanon. The Israeli occupation's current strategy appears to involve circumventing the Resistance through this area.
Syrian defense preparations, Russian mediation
Al Mayadeen’s sources revealed that the Syrian Ministry of Defense, under the previous regime, had instructed the formation of specialized combat groups—including air defense units and Kornet and Konkurs missile teams—to counter a potential Israeli aggression.
However, Russia reportedly intervened, establishing observation points to prevent escalation at the request of the Israeli occupation, according to the sources.
The correspondent also reported that Israeli occupation forces entered the village triangle of Qusayr, Kouia, and Maaria near the Syrian-Jordanian border.
Furthermore, the incursion into Daraa province now positions Israeli occupation forces to cross the Yarmouk River via the Unity Dam, a shared waterway between Syria and Jordan.
The continued expansion of Israeli forces in southern Syria raises concerns over potential regional escalations and impacts on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Germany urges Israeli ally to backtrack on Syrian Golan Heights
"Israel" has faced international backlash for its movements in the Golan, especially amid its stated plans to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.
Germany has urged "Israel" to "abandon" its plan to double the population in the occupied and annexed Syrian Golan Heights, located at the southwestern edge of Syria.
German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner stated on Monday, "It is perfectly clear under international law that this area controlled by Israel belongs to Syria and that Israel is therefore an occupying power," adding that "Israel" must "abandon this plan."
Wagner noted that in light of the political upheaval in Syria, it is "absolutely crucial now that all actors in the region take into account the territorial integrity of Syria and do not call it into question."
Speaking at a press conference, he acknowledged that the situation is "complex" and that "Israel" has an interest in ensuring that Assad's weapons "do not fall into the wrong hands."
However, he reiterated that Germany is "now calling on all actors in the region to exercise restraint," as "Syria has been a plaything of foreign powers for far too long."
