|
Trending Topics
|
Israel Seeks Friendly Buffer Zone in Syrian Golan to Counter Iranian Penetration
(Wall Street Journal) Rory Jones - Israel has been supplying Syrian rebels near its border with cash, food, fuel and medical supplies for years, a secret engagement aimed at carving out a buffer zone populated by friendly forces. Israel's aim is to keep Iran-backed fighters away from the border on the Golan Heights. Israeli officials have pointed out that rebels in certain areas have never tried to attack Israel, while an Islamic State affiliate that has carved out a pocket of control on the south end of the Syrian Golan exchanged fire with Israeli forces last year. Israel has dubbed the current Golan operation "The Good Neighborhood" policy, according political analyst Ehud Ya'ari. "It's a matter of interests," said a person familiar with Israeli policy. Israel offers humanitarian support and in return gets a "buffer zone" of local militias defending themselves.