Israeli Defense Chief Justifies Actions in Syria
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Jerusalem, Dec 15 (NationPress) Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi has announced that the nation does not aim to become involved in Syria but remains dedicated to preventing terror groups from gaining a foothold in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Halevi, who recently visited the Golan Heights for a situation assessment with high-ranking military personnel, was captured in video footage addressing commanders on Saturday.
He indicated that Israel has been operational in the region for nearly a week to secure the border in the occupied Golan Heights and Mount Hermon.
"There was a hostile state here whose army has collapsed. There is a threat that terror elements may arrive here, and we have acted proactively to prevent them from settling," he elaborated.
Halevi emphasized that Israel is "not intervening in what is happening in Syria" and has "no intention of managing Syria".
His statements followed remarks from Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, regarding the changing dynamics of the Israel-Syria relationship after the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
Al-Shara, also recognized as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, stated that they "have no intention of entering into a conflict with it (Israel)".
He also contended that Israel "now has no justification" for persisting with its strikes and interference in Syria.
The comments arise after Israel's acquisition of the United Nations-monitored buffer zone, a demilitarized area between the two nations established in 1974.
Israeli forces also took control of a Syrian military outpost and deployed troops on the summit of Mount Hermon, the highest point in the region. Israeli airstrikes have been targeting Syrian military assets throughout the country, according to Israeli officials.
Israel's military actions have incited condemnation from neighboring countries and prompted the international community to call for respect for Syria's sovereignty.
While Israel has asserted that its move into Syria is confined to the buffer zone and is not a permanent occupation, sources cited in Israeli media suggest that the military may remain in the buffer zone for an extended period, potentially lasting years.
Since the 1967 Middle East War, Israel has occupied the Golan Heights, which a significant portion of the international community regards as Syrian territory unlawfully occupied by Israel.
