Syria: Israel is building settlement sites in occupied area in the Golan

US media reports indicate that Israel is establishing new settlement sites in Syria, with equipment and machinery indicating that this presence is long-term and not temporary as Israeli claimed.

According to satellite images, the construction of military bases, a number of residential buildings and roads is visible 10 miles south of Quneitra, giving Israel greater control and monitoring of the area, which has raised concerns among local residents about the continued presence of Israeli forces in their villages.

Satellite images showed a number of buildings and vehicles at a fenced-in Israeli base, as well as a similar structure five miles to the south.

According to the Washington Post, the settlements are connected by new dirt roads that lead to land in the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 war.

Meanwhile, experts have indicated that another area has been prepared further south, suggesting that it could be the site of a third base.

In this context, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli army won’t withdraw from what he described as the security zone in Syria, noting that the army will remain there indefinitely to protect the Golan Heights and the security of northern Israel.

During his visit to the Israeli forces stationed in Mount Hermon, Katz indicated that the forces are prepared for any attack or defense during their long presence.

He added that the Israeli army won’t allow “enemy forces” to be stationed in areas adjacent to Syria, especially on the Daraa-Damascus axis, and will continue to confront any threats.

For his part, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria is still in place, explaining that the continued violence in Syria complicates peace efforts.

The United Nations confirmed its rejection of any measures that contradict this agreement.

In the same context, the Syrian Interim Foreign Ministry announced the readiness of the new Syrian authorities to regain full control over the border areas with Israel in the Golan, on condition of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory.

It’s worth noting that the Golan Heights were part of Syria until it was occupied by Israel in the 1967 war, after which a ceasefire and separation of forces agreement was reached in 1974, and UN peacekeeping forces have been present in the area since that time.