|
Trending Topics
|
Israeli Army to Set Up New Posts in Syria to Prevent Regime Military Buildup along Israeli Border
(Ha'aretz) Yaniv Kubovich - The IDF is creating new "security zones" in Syrian territory to counter the armed forces of the new regime in Damascus. The Israeli army already controls the buffer zone, from the border fence to 5 km. (3.1 miles) into Syria. In addition, the army has defined the area 15 km. (9.3 miles) from the border as a security zone. In accordance with government directives, the IDF has been tasked with preventing Syrian forces from stationing long-range weapons like launchers and missile within 65 km. (40 miles) from the border with Israel, though it intends to allow police forces to enter the area 15-65 km. (9.3-40 miles) from the border. The IDF is establishing a coordination unit run by COGAT, which is in charge of government activities in the territories. The unit will focus on establishing connections with the Druze population in the Syrian villages close to the border. Starting next Sunday, Israel will allow several hundred Syrian Druze in the area controlled by the IDF to work in Israel. The IDF is also working to improve water lines and access to medical services in these Druze villages. Some 40,000 Syrian citizens, mostly Druze, live in the area under the IDF's control.