After the fall of the Assad government, Israel has expanded its occupation in Syria, violating the disengagement agreements and escalating military actions. While the GCC calls for action against Israel, there is a lack of concrete responses from Arab nations. Israel feels empowered by U.S. support, allowing it to pursue further territorial claims in the region.
The recent upheaval in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad has led Israel to expand its occupation in the region. Israel has seized the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights, contravening the 1974 disengagement agreement, and has intensified aerial assaults on Syrian military sites. With oppressive measures cloaked as security needs, Israel is pushing deeper into Syrian territory, reaching within 20 kilometers of Damascus.
Emboldened by previous military actions, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed that Israel’s aggressive posture in Gaza presents a unique chance to establish new peace agreements with Arab nations, which he believes could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Concurrently, while Israel continues to undermine Syria, the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General has called for global action against what he terms blatant violations occurring in the region.
It is contradictory that the GCC is appealing to the international community to halt Israel’s actions while failing to exert substantial pressure on Western allies to cease arms shipments to Israel. Historically, any resolutions introduced at the United Nations face certain vetoes from the United States, diminishing their effectiveness. The Arab states possess adequate leverage to challenge Israel’s actions; however, they remain uncoordinated in their response.
Israel continues to advance its agenda in the West Bank without significant opposition, perceiving a green light from the United States, especially after the Trump administration’s recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. Amidst its expansionist aspirations, the Israeli government is also pushing for a legal overhaul that favors the annexation of Palestinian territories.
Despite Turkey’s position as a supporter of the Syrian regime, it recently condemned Israel’s actions as aggressive. This apparent ineffectiveness from Arab countries and the Turkish government allows Israel to view the current state of Syria as a target for its expansionist policies. Netanyahu’s expansionist agenda is bolstered by past endorsement from U.S. leadership, ensuring continued support for such maneuvers.
In summary, Israel’s opportunistic moves in Syria are illustrated by its recent territorial expansions and military aggressions amid the instability that followed the Assad regime’s collapse. The silence of Arab nations in taking concrete actions contrasts starkly with their rhetorical opposition. This, coupled with support from the U.S., has enabled Israel to pursue its territorial ambitions without facing significant repercussions within the international community.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
