Times of London reports Israel’s PM Netanyahu called Russian President Putin on the phone seeking assurances Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah won’t operate within a designated buffer-zone, that could extend 30 miles east of Golan Heights, once Syria is divided.
By Shlomo Cesana, Erez Linn & Israel Hayom Staff
Israel has asked the United States and Russia to establish a buffer zone in southern Syria that would curtail Iranian activity as part of the overall political arrangement for the country, The Times of London reported Thursday.
According to the report, based on sources in the Middle East, Jerusalem would like the two powers to “guarantee a buffer zone in southern Syria where Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias will not be allowed to operate.” The request was reportedly made against the backdrop of ongoing talks in Amman between Washington and Moscow about Syria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, in Moscow. – Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev/AP
Israel has asked the United States and Russia to establish a buffer zone in southern Syria that would curtail Iranian activity as part of the overall political arrangement for the country, The Times of London reported Thursday.
According to the report, based on sources in the Middle East, Jerusalem would like the two powers to “guarantee a buffer zone in southern Syria where Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias will not be allowed to operate.” The request was reportedly made against the backdrop of ongoing talks in Amman between Washington and Moscow about Syria.
“Defence sources confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, had raised the issue of a buffer zone in talks with both President [Donald] Trump and President Vladimir Putin,” The Times reported. “It would extend more than 30 miles east of the Golan Heights, well past the city of Daraa, which is the direct subject of the Russian-U.S. talks.”
According to the report, the Israeli concern stems from “the possibility that Syria will eventually be divided, with core regime areas, backed by Russia and Iran, being separated from other areas held by rebels and Kurdish-led groups backed by competing regional and international powers.”
“Israel fears that the U.S. might withdraw, leaving Iranian-backed militias such as Hezbollah to establish themselves in the south of the country, including along the Golan border,” The Times reported.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Putin spoke on the phone on Thursday to discuss regional issues, in what was described as an urgent call.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the conversation was held “at the Israeli side’s initiative.” It was held while Netanyahu was accompanying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a tour in northern Israel.
“Mr. Putin and Mr. Netanyahu continued their exchange of opinions on topical issues of Russia-Israel cooperation. In the context of joint efforts against international terrorism, they discussed the Middle East settlement and the situation in Syria,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
View original Israel Hayom publication at:
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=43669
Israeli New Shekel Exchange Rate
A question would arise Why can not Israel take this assurance itself in a state consolidation of Africa in co-operation of the continent and the protection of its citizens.
Russia and the US have a permanent presence in the
The defense area of the African Union to the Peace and Security Council.
Therefore, the military sector of the UN troops in Africa could also take over this obsession.
The UN has thus far failed to enforce their mandated responsibilities both in Syria and Lebanon.
So, what new has happened to give any credence to the thought they would forcibly confront Hezbollah, should they refuse to abide by any future cease-fire resolution?
Is there the same problem in Syria as in Africa a so-called biafra for an independent state.
Terrorists and criminals will not support either way.
The question is where is the problem there and how can it be solved.
Israel and Jerusalem and Pakistan are a Bermuda triangle in this region.
Faith and bound by faith.