Israeli army bolsters presence in Golan Heights as Syria destabilized
4 Min Read
The Israeli army has reportedly increased its presence in the Golan Heights, deploying forces to strategic locations within the demilitarized zone.
-
Israeli combat reservists and tank forces take part in training drills on the Lebanese front in the occupied Golan Heights, Thursday, January 4, 2024. (AP)
In response to developments in Syria, the Israeli army announced that it increased its presence in the Golan Heights, deploying forces to key locations in the demilitarized zone.
The move, as per the Israeli army, is aimed at securing Israeli settlements in the area and protecting the safety of Israeli settlers, given concerns over potential militant incursions.
In further detail, an Israeli army spokesperson alleged that Tel Aviv is not intervening in the ongoing events in Syria.
"The Israeli army will continue to take necessary actions to preserve the demilitarized zone and protect the state and its people," the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reports indicate heightened military activity, including the entry of Israeli forces into Khan Arnabeh in the occupied Golan Heights.
Moreover, the IOF announced that the occupied Golan Heights at the border with Syria is now a closed military zone.
Meanwhile, Syrian sources suggested that "Israel" is constructing a buffer zone along its border with Syria.
Additionally, Walla news reported that "Israel" is in direct communication with various groups in Syria, including the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, through intermediaries. The Israeli message, according to the report, urges these groups to stay away from the border area.
Israeli media outlets also reported that the Israeli government has issued directives to its ministers, instructing them not to speak publicly about Syria without prior approval. The Maariv newspaper added that "Israel" is engaged in discussions with certain factions within Syria, though details remain limited.
Militants enter Damascus, PM says ready for turnover process
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he is ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people and affirmed that he is prepared to undertake a handover process, early on Sunday.
This comes after militants entered Syria's capital, Damascus, and reports of President Bashar al-Assad's leaving the capital to an unknown location at an earlier time.
Late on Saturday, the Syrian Arab Army withdrew from the city of Homs, where militants took over the city and other towns in western Syria. For the most part, no clashes were recorded before and during the withdrawal of Syrian Arab Army forces and the eventual takeover by militants of Syrian towns.
Reuters reported, citing two senior Syrian military officials, that al-Assad left Damascus to an unknown location, later reporting that militants had entered the city.
Meanwhile, al-Jalali said that he is ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people, stressing that he will not leave his home until a "peaceful transition" is achieved, where he would have guaranteed the safety of Syrian public institutions and their continued work.
He urged all parties to think "rationally," adding that he extends his hand in cooperation to everyone, including members of the opposition.
It is worth noting that the onslaught on Syrian cities and towns, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish backed militants, began on November 27, targeting the city of Aleppo in the north. Later, militants took over the city of Hama then Homs, before heading toward Damascus.
The leader of HTS, a United Nations-listed terror organizations, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani released a statement instructing militants in Damascus that "it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over."
Read more: Syrian Army repositions forces, armed groups take over Homs
