- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned Israel against escalating tensions in the Golan Heights, urging them to adhere to the 1974 disengagement agreement and criticizing the idea of annexation as "unacceptable."
- Ryabkov's comments highlight the complex geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the presence of Russian forces in Syria and Moscow's support for ousted Syrian President Assad, which complicates Israel's actions.
- Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu earlier announced plans to formally annex the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1981, calling it an eternal part of Israeli territory and seeking support from the U.S. for this move.
- The international community, including the United Nations and Arab states, has condemned Israel's actions, citing violations of international law and the 1974 disengagement agreement.
- The situation in the Golan Heights and Israel's continued occupation and expansion plans raise concerns about potential escalation, given the significant military presence and the delicate balance of power in the region.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has warned that Israel's ambitions in the Golan Heights risk exacerbating tensions.
The Russian official issued his warning Monday, Dec. 16, directing it at "hotheads … intoxicated by opportunities." He called on Israel to return to full implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and stated that "the annexation of the Golan Heights, which many are talking about now, is absolutely unacceptable."
Ryabkov’s comments reflect the delicate balance of power in the region, where Russia maintains a significant presence in Syria. The incursion by Israeli forces into the buffer zone has drawn Moscow's attention and concern.
The presence of Russian forces in Syria further complicates the situation. Moscow, a long-time ally of Damascus, views any challenge to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule as a threat to its interests.
Ryabkov's warning came almost a week after Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said Tel Aviv plans to annex the Golan Heights, an area it seized from Syria nearly six decades ago, as part of Israeli territory permanently.
"The Golan [Heights] will be part of the State of Israel for eternity," he said on Dec. 9 during a press conference. Netanyahu also thanked U.S. President-elect for recognizing Israel's 1981 annexation of the territory during his first term. (Related: Middle East tensions flare up as Netanyahu declares Israeli occupation of Golan Heights will be FOREVER.)
The escalation began when Israeli forces launched an incursion into a buffer zone established in 1974 as part of the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria. The move came after the fall of Assad's government, which was toppled by opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham jihadists. In response to the changing political landscape, Israel has moved to expand its control over the Golan Heights, citing security concerns.
Israel doubles down on plans to occupy Golan Heights, sparking outrage
However, the international community has condemned the action as a violation of international law. The United Nations emphasized that Israel's seizure of the Golan Heights is a breach of the 1974 agreement. Arab states have also voiced their disapproval, with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the occupation as a "continued violation of the rules of international law."
But the outrage failed to deter Israel as Netanyahu announced plans to double the Jewish population in the Golan Heights. The proposal approved by the Israeli cabinet aims to bolster Israel's presence on the contested territory, despite warnings from Russia and criticism from the international community.
"Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the state of Israel," a statement from the Israeli leader's office declared. “We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it." The prime minister’s office has justified the expansion by stating that "the collapse of the Assad government and the Syrian Army abandoning its posts has invalidated the agreement."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has likewise defended the occupation of foreign territory, claiming it is “of enormous security importance.” However, the international community remains skeptical.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, aware that any miscalculation could spark a regional crisis. The illegal occupation of the Golan Heights by Israel not only undermines international law but also risks further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East. The United States has voiced understanding of Israel's actions, but also called for "lasting stability" between Israel and Syria, emphasizing adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
With Moscow maintaining a significant presence in Syria and Washington recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, the region is teetering on the edge of another potential conflict. The international community must now work to prevent such an escalation, given the delicate balance of power and the significant military presence in the region.
Watch this clip from Russia Today about how Trump's recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory during his first term sparked outrage.
This video is from the TruthBeTold channel on Brighteon.com.
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