Israel's Control Tactics in Syria Mirror West Bank Methods, Report Warns
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's control methods in southern Syria resemble West Bank tactics, Haaretz reports.
- Nine military points and frequent patrols, raids, and arrests are noted.
- Residents report restrictions impacting livelihoods and property.
- UN findings corroborate detentions of Syrians by Israeli forces.
- Israel cites security for Golan residents as reason for its presence.
An Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, has reported on Israel's military presence and control methods in southern Syria, specifically in the Quneitra and western Daraa regions, warning that these tactics mirror those used in the West Bank and could create long-term instability. The report, authored by researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, details how Israeli forces have established nine military points and conduct frequent patrols, checkpoints, home raids, and arrests affecting tens of thousands of residents in dozens of villages and towns across an estimated 600-square-kilometer area.
According to testimonies gathered by Tsurkov from residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, the daily friction with Israeli forces has impacted movement and livelihoods. Farmers and shepherds reported being prevented from accessing their lands and pastures, crucial for their income in an area reliant on agriculture and livestock. Some residents described damage to property during raids and searches of homes, vehicles, and phones at checkpoints.
Haaretz noted that the Israeli military's presence is not static, with patrols and operations extending beyond fixed positions. This activity has drawn parallels to the situation in the West Bank, prompting Haaretz to call for an end to Israel's military presence in the area. Tsurkov cautioned that increased fear and hostility among the Syrian population due to these operations could inadvertently create the very security threats Israel claims to be preventing.
These findings align with a report by an independent international commission of inquiry on Syria to the UN Human Rights Council. The commission documented Israeli checkpoints and military installations in Quneitra and Daraa, and identified 49 Syrians, including two children, arrested by Israeli forces inside Syria up to June, who are believed to have been transferred to Israel. The commission warned that some practices, including the detention of civilians, could amount to war crimes.
Israel maintains that its troop deployment is a temporary security measure to protect its Golan Heights residents and prevent hostile forces from operating near the border. The Israeli military stated that individuals arrested are suspected of security threats, and those cleared are returned to Syria. Damascus, however, demands an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-December 2024 positions.