Israel's Affairs in Syria

Israeli-Syrian relations have a long and complex history, full of conflicts, wars, and periods of ceasefire. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, these two countries have been in a state of permanent conflict.

Brief Historical Overview

1948 - War of Independence: Syria, along with other Arab countries, engaged in war with Israel immediately after its declaration of independence. As a result of this war, Syria lost control over certain territories that later became part of Israel.

1967 - Six-Day War: During this war, Israel captured the Golan Heights, a strategically important area which it still controls today. This was a turning point in the relations, as the Golan Heights have since remained a source of constant tension and dispute.

1973 - Yom Kippur War: Syria and Egypt united in an attempt to reclaim lost territories. During this conflict, Israeli forces temporarily advanced into Syrian territory but eventually returned to previous lines with a buffer zone under UN observation being established.

Modern Context and New Challenges

Syrian Civil War (2011 - present): With the onset of the Syrian Civil War, Israel became involved in the conflict, especially after Iran's involvement and its allies. Israel conducted numerous airstrikes on sites it believed were used for transferring weapons to Iranian proxy forces like Hezbollah.

2024 - Israeli Incursion into Syria: After the fall of Assad's regime in 2024, Israel launched a military operation, for the first time in half a century crossing the Syrian border. This was driven by the need to secure the Golan Heights and prevent the establishment of a new front by forces that could be hostile to Israel.

Policy and Diplomacy

Despite the lack of official diplomatic relations, Israel and Syria have periodically engaged in peace talks, especially in the 90s under U.S. auspices, but without significant results. Syria does not recognize Israel's existence and does not accept its passports for entry into its territory, reflecting deep-seated hostility between the two states.

The history of interactions between Israel and Syria is a continuous chain of conflicts based on territorial disputes and geopolitical interests. The current situation, following Assad's regime collapse, opens a new chapter full of uncertainties and potential threats to Israel's security. The future of these relations remains uncertain, considering the dynamic changes in the Middle East.