Following the recent fall of the Assad government, Israel has escalated its military operations in Syria, claiming additional territory and imposing restrictions on Syrian citizens. With weakened Arab responses and strong U.S. backing, Israel aims to solidify its expansionist policies in the region, spotlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Syria and the international community’s limited capacity to intervene effectively.
Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria following the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad government, infringing upon the 1974 disengagement agreement by occupying the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights. This move has been coupled with increased airstrikes targeting Syrian military installations, indicating Israel’s ambition to expand its territorial claims amid Syria’s ongoing turmoil.
As Syria grapples with the aftermath of the Assad regime’s fall, Israel views this as a strategic opportunity to impose further restrictions on Syrian citizens and extend its hold in southern Syria, moving forces alarmingly close to Damascus, the capital.
Emboldened by its military capabilities and recent victories, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the conflict in Gaza opened the door for new peace arrangements with Arab nations that could transform the region’s geopolitical landscape. However, this expansionist agenda raises questions about the impact on regional stability.
Despite Israel’s aggressive actions against Syria, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi has called for urgent international intervention against these blatant violations of Syrian sovereignty. It is worth noting that the Arab nations have yet to take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable.
Historically, Arab countries possess the leverage to influence Western policies, including utilizing oil boycotts against the West to pressure Israel. Yet, inaction thus far has allowed Israel to pursue policies of population displacement and annexation in the occupied territories, with aspirations as far-reaching as control over Damascus.
Recent reports reveal discussions in the U.S. Congress to redefine the occupied West Bank as Judea and Samaria, further cementing Israel’s claims to these territories. While Turkey has condemned Israeli actions, it simultaneously continues to engage with Israel on other fronts, highlighting the complex political dynamics at play.
Ultimately, Israel appears to be exploiting Syria’s fragmented political landscape and the lack of decisive action from Arab nations. As Netanyahu aligns closely with U.S. support, particularly after President Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the prospect of Israeli territorial expansion remains highly concerning.
The prevailing situation reflects Israel’s perceived entitlement to act aggressively in the region, targeting Syria as a valuable and vulnerable geopolitical asset.
In summary, Israel’s recent military activities in Syria illustrate its strategic ambitions in a region marked by instability. With neighboring countries hesitant to act decisively against Israeli expansion and U.S. endorsement bolstering its position, Israel perceives a significant opportunity to enhance its territorial claims. The international community’s response has been largely symbolic, with little concrete action to curb these developments. By capitalizing on Syria’s weakened state, Israel continues to assert itself in the region, raising alarms about potential long-term consequences for Middle Eastern stability.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
