'Matter of time' before IOF in Golan attacked: Israeli media
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Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth underlines that the Israeli occupation forces in the occupied Syrian Golan would be attacked sooner or later.
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Israeli armored vehicles park on the side of a road in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, on Sunday, December 22, 2024 (AP)
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Sunday that there are growing concerns within the Israeli occupation forces about possible attacks on its forces in Syria from the occupied Golan. According to Israeli intelligence, certain groups are showing intentions to approach the area to target soldiers stationed there.
In a piece by political correspondent Yoav Zitun, the newspaper quoted a senior officer in the northern region warning that it is "only a matter of time until we are hit by a surprise anti-tank missile or mortar shell targeting our forces here, which could result in casualties among the soldiers."
The officer added that such an event would "turn everything for the worse," highlighting the difficulty in explaining the value of their mission in Syria to soldiers. "There is no enemy here, and we are not conducting meaningful operations or missions. The entire situation feels futile," he remarked.
The officer also emphasized that the Israeli presence in Syria, characterized by the frequent movement of tanks, could inadvertently provoke armed groups into attacking. Senior commanders in Syria reportedly view the operational reality as lacking "benefit or importance."
In the same context, Yedioth Ahronoth noted two recent incidents where Israeli forces opened fire on Syrian protesters demonstrating against the Israeli occupation of their lands. The newspaper warned that such events "may not be the last," with soldiers claiming they fired because they "felt threatened."
The report also detailed the Israeli occupation forces' efforts to collect large amounts of weapons in the occupied Golan, ranging from old Soviet-era tanks to modern anti-tank missiles, mortars, and ammunition.
Additionally, the scope of IOF activity in Syria reportedly involves forces equivalent to two regular brigades. An urgent plan is underway to bolster control over Mount Hermon, which includes constructing infrastructure at two elevations—2,400 meters and 2,800 meters.
The plan aims to establish long-term facilities for hundreds of fighters, supply warehouses, and logistical means to withstand disruptions caused by snowstorms, with new roads being built from the occupied Palestinian side.
Israeli forces preparing for long stay
Israeli media reported earlier in the month 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."
The report also noted that no intelligence agency had predicted the rapid collapse of the former Syrian regime's army, and as a result, the Israeli military is now establishing a more significant presence in the region.
Two days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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.
Moreover, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz said that Netanyahu conducted a security briefing on Tuesday atop the strategic Syrian Mount Hermon of the Golan Heights, which "Israel" occupied earlier this month.
"Israel" first captured the Syrian Golan Heights during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and later "annexed" the territory in a move that has been condemned worldwide.
