Israeli army resumes bulldozing in Syria’s Quneitra nature reserve
QUNEITRA, Syria (North Press) – The Israeli army resumed on Saturday bulldozing operations in the Jabbata al-Khashab Nature Reserve in the northern countryside of Quneitra, southern Syria, after a four-month suspension.
A local source told North Press that the latest operations began on Friday evening, during which more than 100 dunams of forested land were leveled. The destroyed area included trees believed to be several hundred years old.
The source added that the renewed bulldozing coincides with the season when residents of nearby areas visit the reserve to collect firewood as winter approaches, raising concerns among locals about environmental damage and restricted access to natural resources.
No official comment has been issued by Damascus or Tel Aviv regarding the new operations.
The Jabbata al-Khashab Nature Reserve, located near the disengagement line separating Syrian and Israeli-controlled parts of the Golan Heights, has long been a sensitive zone both militarily and environmentally.
Israeli forces have carried out frequent bulldozing and excavation operations in the area over the years, citing security concerns and the need to clear vegetation allegedly used for concealment by armed groups.