Tensions are rising along the Golan Heights as the United Nations has accused Israel of violating a 50-year-old ceasefire agreement with Syria. This accusation comes after Israeli construction in the demilitarised buffer zone, known as the Area of Separation (AoS), which Israel and Syria agreed upon after the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has reported that Israel’s activities, particularly the digging of trenches and earth berms near the frontier, represent significant violations of the ceasefire, endangering the fragile peace that has existed between the two countries since the agreement in 1974. This development has raised concerns about further destabilising the region, especially as tensions have been escalating due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
What is the Area of Separation (AoS)?
The Area of Separation was established following the 1974 ceasefire between Israel and Syria, marking the border between the two countries in the Golan Heights. The demilitarised zone was designed to reduce tensions by keeping Israeli and Syrian forces separate.
- The Alpha Line marks the boundary where Israeli forces are stationed.
- The Bravo Line marks the position of Syrian forces.
- The AoS lies in between these lines, intended to be free of military presence or any construction that might alter the status quo.
Since the ceasefire was signed, the Golan Heights has remained a hotspot for potential conflict, especially given the region’s strategic significance and the presence of Iranian-backed militias in Syria.
Israel’s Construction Activities in the Buffer Zone
Satellite images and reports from the BBC and other sources have revealed that Israel has been constructing trenches and earth berms in the buffer zone. These activities are being carried out to secure the border against potential threats, including the infiltration of Iran-backed militias from Syria.
Key points about the construction:
- Trenches approximately 6 metres (20 feet) wide have been dug, some of which are reported to extend into the Area of Separation.
- Earth berms are also visible, reinforcing the boundary.
- Military vehicles, including tanks, have been seen near the construction sites, suggesting a strong military presence in the area.
Though most of the construction takes place within Israeli-controlled territories, some of the trenches cross into the AoS, which, according to the UN, constitutes a breach of the 1974 ceasefire agreement.
The UN’s Concerns and the Ceasefire Violation
The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) monitors the Golan Heights region 24/7, and their chief, Bernard Lee, expressed grave concerns about the construction activities. According to Lee, the Israeli trenches extend just a few metres into the AoS at several points, potentially leading to an escalation of tensions.
- UNDOF has repeatedly raised these issues with the Israeli military, stressing that the ceasefire agreement requires both sides to respect the boundaries of the AoS.
- Despite the concerns, Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) maintain that these trenches are necessary for border security, particularly to prevent the infiltration of militants from Syria.
Israel’s Response: Justifying the Construction
Israel has defended the construction, citing the threats posed by Iran-backed militia groups in Syria. According to Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the IDF, the trenches are part of Israel’s efforts to protect itself from potential terrorist incursions:
- The IDF maintains that the construction is within Israeli territory and is intended to prevent the infiltration of militants.
- Israeli officials argue that the trenches are a necessary defensive measure, particularly after the October 7th Hamas attacks, which have heightened fears of surprise attacks from neighbouring countries and groups.
- Lt Col Shoshani also insisted that the IDF is working with the UN to resolve any misunderstandings about the construction and its compliance with the ceasefire.
The Impact of This Violation on Regional Tensions
The accusation of violating the ceasefire agreement has the potential to escalate tensions between Israel and Syria, which have remained relatively stable in recent years despite the ongoing conflicts in nearby regions.
- Iran’s influence in Syria, through groups like Hezbollah, continues to be a major point of concern for Israel. The Israeli military has frequently targeted Iranian and Hezbollah positions within Syria to disrupt their operations.
- The construction of defences along the Golan Heights is being seen by Israel as an important step in securing its borders against these growing threats.
However, Syria has strongly protested Israel’s activities, viewing the construction as a clear violation of the terms agreed upon in the ceasefire.
Israel’s Long-Term Strategy in the Golan Heights
Israel’s control over the Golan Heights has been a contentious issue since its capture during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1981, Israel annexed the region, a move that was not recognised internationally, although the United States officially recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.
- Israeli settlers now live alongside around 20,000 Syrians, most of whom are Druze, in the Golan region.
- Israel has argued that its military presence in the Golan is essential for national security, given its proximity to Syria and the presence of hostile actors in neighbouring countries.
- The construction of new defences and barriers along the buffer zone is part of Israel’s broader strategy to maintain control over the region and deter any aggression from Syria or its allies.
What’s Next for the Ceasefire and the Buffer Zone?
As tensions continue to rise, it’s unclear whether the situation in the Golan Heights will lead to further escalation. While Israel justifies its actions as a measure of self-defence, the UN’s warnings about violations of the ceasefire could prompt diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
- Will Israel continue its construction in the AoS despite international protests?
- Can the UN mediate a peaceful resolution between Israel and Syria, or is this a sign of the end of the fragile peace that has held for over five decades?
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this latest development in the Golan Heights marks a turning point in Israeli-Syrian relations or whether the situation can be de-escalated without further conflict.
