Ex-Israeli intelligence officer warns Israel’s prolonged military presence in Syria has negative consequences
Date
1/30/2025 3:07:34 AM
(MENAFN) Carmit Valencie, a former Israeli intelligence officer, warned that Israel’s prolonged military presence in the Syrian buffer zone could have negative consequences if it lasts more than six months. She outlined specific conditions Israel should meet for withdrawing from the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz recently advocated for maintaining the buffer zone indefinitely. Valencie highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future, particularly the intentions of Ahmad al-Shara, which could present both new challenges and opportunities for Israel.
For long-term strategic gains, Valencie argued that Israel should seek the stability of Syria under a moderate and stable regime that would limit Iranian influence and eliminate threats from terrorist groups. She also emphasized the importance of developing a new defense plan for the border, addressing the role of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and strengthening it through additional arrangements with the new Syrian government and potentially Turkey. Valencie suggested that Israel should explore communication channels with Syria’s new leadership to protect its political and security interests in the Golan Heights and deeper into Syria. Israel must clearly communicate through diplomatic means that its presence in Syria is temporary, pending resolution of security concerns, including setting clear terms for withdrawal.
The conditions for withdrawal would include ensuring a period of stability along the border, preventing infiltration into Israel, and verifying that Syria is blocking Hezbollah’s weapon smuggling attempts. Syria recently announced it had stopped such smuggling attempts twice in January. Finally, Valencie proposed forming an international quartet consisting of Israel, Turkey, the U.S., and Russia to ensure the stability of Syria’s new regime and protect minorities within the country.
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