Recent satellite imagery shows Israeli military construction within the demilitarized buffer zone separating the Golan Heights from Syria, violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement. The IDF has begun building guard posts and roads, raising international concerns regarding regional stability and compliance with peace agreements.
Recent satellite imagery has unveiled construction activities by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) within the demilitarized buffer zone that separates the occupied Golan Heights from Syria. The imagery, obtained exclusively by BBC Verify, depicts the IDF carrying out building works over 600 meters inside the Area of Separation (AoS), in violation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria, which prohibits such actions.
The satellite images, dated January 21, reveal new structures and a considerable presence of equipment such as trucks and other vehicles at the site. It appears that construction began at the start of the year, with lower quality images indicating progressive development since January 1. Additionally, a new road approximately one kilometer in length has been identified, connecting to an existing roadway leading into Israeli territory.
A Syrian journalist shared drone photographs from January 20, showcasing various machinery including trucks, excavators, and bulldozers at the construction site. Middle East defense intelligence expert, Jeremy Binnie, interpreted the photos as indicating the establishment of at least four prefabricated guard posts at this location, suggesting plans for an ongoing military presence there.
The BBC previously documented IDF military movements near Majdal Shams, located within the buffer zone, which is about 5.5 kilometers from the new construction site. Notably, satellite imagery from November captured IDF efforts to dig a trench along the Alpha Line on the buffer zone’s western border. This activity took place after the Syrian regime underwent significant changes last month, prompting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to direct forces into the AoS while asserting, “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border.”
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has raised concerns, stating that Israeli construction activities within the AoS constitute severe violations of the established ceasefire agreement. These developments highlight rising tensions and strategic maneuvers within the region, impacting the dynamics of Israeli-Syrian relations.
The construction by the IDF within the Area of Separation (AoS) is a significant breach of the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria, which established a demilitarized zone intended to minimize military confrontations. This zone, known as the buffer zone, is critical for maintaining peace and preventing escalation between the two nations. Recent developments and satellite images indicate a shift in Israel’s military posture, leading to renewed scrutiny from international observers and escalating regional tensions.
In summary, the evidence from satellite images and testimonies highlights a clear violation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement by the IDF through ongoing construction within the demilitarized buffer zone with Syria. The implications of these actions are profound, as noted by the UN’s disenchantment over the breaches, and reflect a shifting landscape in Israeli-Syrian interactions that could influence future peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
