Israel’s Expansionist Ambitions in a Turbulent Syria

Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Israel has intensified military operations, including expanding its occupation of the Golan Heights. Amid the tumultuous situation, Israel exploits the chaos to further its territorial ambitions, with little effective resistance from the Arab world or the international community. Prime Minister Netanyahu has claimed that these events open pathways for peace agreements with Arab states, amid significant regional tensions.

Following the recent upheaval in Syria leading to the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in December, Israel has escalated its military activities in the region. This includes the expansion of its control in the Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone and increasing airstrikes on Syrian military installations. This action contravenes the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.

Amidst the ongoing chaos in Syria post-Assad, Israel perceives an opportunity to extend its territorial claims further, effectively instituting tighter controls over the south under the guise of establishing buffer zones. With Israeli forces advancing dangerously close to Damascus, the situation remains precarious.

The Israeli administration feels emboldened by its military successes in Gaza, markedly using advanced American-supplied munitions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated on December 23, 2024, that the conflict in Gaza has paved the way for potential peace agreements with Arab nations, suggesting a significant shift in the regional dynamics.

While Israel continues to assert its dominance over Syria, the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, has called for a decisive international response to these blatant violations. This raises questions about who the GCC is appealing to regarding Israel’s actions in Syria.

It is paradoxical that the Arab world, particularly the Gulf states, has not taken effective measures to compel the U.S. and its allies to cease arms shipments to Israel amidst its aggressive military campaign. Albudaiwi appears aware that any actions the international community may undertake will likely result in mere condemnation or ineffectual resolutions at the United Nations.

The Arab nations collectively possess significant leverage over Israel, particularly through economic means such as oil export boycotts. However, without concrete actions from the Gulf states or other Arab nations, Israel, seemingly with U.S. approval, is moving to alter the demographic landscape in the occupied West Bank. Legislative efforts in the U.S. have emerged aiming to reclassify the region to further legitimize Israeli claims.

Reports surfaced that Turkish authorities, a primary supporter of the existing Syrian regime, have condemned Israel’s recent moves. Notably, even during periods of military aggression in Gaza, Israel was reportedly receiving oil supplies from Azerbaijan, indicating a complex web of international relations at play.

Considering the conflicted nature of the Syrian political landscape and lack of assertive responses from other Arab and regional actors, Israel views Syria as a strategic target for expansion. Netanyahu’s administration enjoys significant support from the Trump administration, which previously recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, further complicating the situation under international law.

In conclusion, Israel’s actions in Syria post-Assad’s regime reflect a calculated strategy to capitalize on the ensuing chaos. With its military advancements and increased territorial claims, Israel is seemingly unconstrained by regional or international pushback. The lack of effective responses from Arab nations and the unwavering support from the U.S. contribute to Israel’s aggressive expansionist stance. Ultimately, Syria remains vulnerable as Israel perceives it as an opportune target for further occupation.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com