Russia Enhances Military Presence Near Golan Heights Amid Rising Tensions
Russia has boosted its military presence in southern Syria to deter Israeli actions amid rising tensions. The increased activity coincides with Israel’s controversial construction of a separation wall in the Golan Heights, which has drawn condemnation for breaching a longstanding ceasefire agreement. Concurrently, Russian and Syrian forces have ramped up joint operations against extremist groups, reflecting a shift in military dynamics in the region.
On November 19, 2023, the Lebanese daily Al Akhbar reported that the Russian army has augmented its presence at nine observation posts in southern Syria, collaborating closely with the Syrian government to avert escalations from Israel. This ramp-up primarily involves the Daraa and Quneitra governorates, which border the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In response to perceived threats, Israel has begun constructing a “separation wall” along the disengagement area, an initiative reminiscent of barriers erected along its frontiers with Lebanon, Egypt, Gaza, and the West Bank.
The United Nations has accused Israel of breaching a decades-old ceasefire agreement with Syria through this construction, with satellite images provided by the Associated Press revealing significant building activity extending 7.5 kilometers along the Alpha Line, safeguarded by armored vehicles and tanks. Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman recently cautioned, “If Syria continues to be used as a logistical base for our enemies, we will simply seize the Syrian part of Mount Hermon and will not relinquish it until further notice.”
Alongside this, the Syrian and Russian armies have intensified their joint operations against extremist factions supported by Western nations. According to Al Akhbar, Russian military forces are executing aerial and ground surveillance to enhance regional security, facilitate the return of displaced residents, and ensure stability in areas previously dominated by Israeli-backed militants.
Moreover, the columnist Haidar Mustafa from The Cradle denounces all Israeli initiatives in the Golan as “flagrant violations of international law,” including the imposition of Israeli citizenship, settlement expansions, and intrusions into the disengagement zone for wall construction.
Since late September, Israeli airstrikes against Syria have surged, hitting major urban centers often. Notably, some of these strikes occurred near the Russian Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, necessitating the activation of Moscow’s air defense systems to counter these threats. This complex situation underscores the fragile security landscape of the region, with Russian forces now playing a critical role in maintaining stability.
The ongoing situation near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights reflects the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving Russia’s military presence in Syria and Israel’s military operations. Following the civil war in Syria, Russia has positioned itself as a key ally of the Syrian government, significantly influencing the dynamics of control within the country. Recent developments have showcased Israel’s continued military efforts and construction initiatives that have drawn international legal scrutiny and have resulted in heightened military operations from Syrian and Russian forces in response to perceived threats from Israel and associated militant factions.
In conclusion, the escalation of Russian military presence in southern Syria and the corresponding Israeli construction efforts underscore the intricate and volatile security dynamics at play in the region. As both nations engage in strategic operations—Russia in support of the Syrian government and Israel in defense against perceived threats—the implications for regional stability continue to unfold. The situation remains tense, with international law and previous agreements being called into question amid ongoing military actions from both sides.
Original Source: thecradle.co
