Israel advances into southern Syria, officials urge Intl. condemnation
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli forces reportedly advanced on Monday into southern Syria, with Syrian officials calling for urgent international action to halt what they describe as “aggression.”
Syrian media confirmed that Israeli troops entered the southern countryside of Damascus, near the Lebanese border, occupying the village of Heeneh and moving toward the outskirts of Khan al-Sheikh in the Qatana region, opposite Lebanon’s Rashaya district.
Reports indicate that Israeli tanks are positioned less than three kilometers from Qatana, approximately 20 kilometers from Damascus.
According to local sources, Israel controlled the villages and towns of Arneh, Buq’asm, Rima, Heeneh, Qal’at Jandal, al-Husseiniyah, and Jubbata al-Khashab.
In response, Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations called for an end to the incursions, urging Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Damascus has sent letters to the U.N. Secretary-General and the Security Council, demanding condemnation of Israel’s actions and calling for immediate intervention to prevent further territorial gains during Syria’s transitional period.
The developments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria is no longer valid in light of the Syrian government’s collapse on Dec. 8.
Netanyahu also asserted that the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights “will remain forever a part of Israel.”
Adding to the tensions, Israeli airstrikes on Monday targeted military installations associated with Syria’s former regime, further escalating the situation.