The Jerusalem Post: Israel sets conditions for withdrawing its forces from Syrian territory permanently
According to a former Israeli intelligence officer, and political scientist, Carmit Valensi, Israel is setting clear conditions for a final withdrawal from the buffer zone in Syria, warning that staying for more than six months could lead to negative results.
In a report published by the Jerusalem Post, Valensi presented a set of recommendations regarding Israel’s policy towards Syria.
She explained that the West is moving closer to supporting Ahmed al Sharaa, amid a campaign promoting that his regime will respect the armistice signed between the two countries in 1974, while pressing for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territory, which could increase pressure on Israel.
As she noted in a recent publication for the Institute for National Security Studies, “The uncertainty about Sharaa’s intentions and Syria’s future, as well as the ongoing developments, may create challenges but also opportunities for Israel”.
Valensi stressed that Israel must work to stabilize Syria within a moderate and effective regime that limits Iranian influence and confronts the threats of terrorist elements against it.
According to Valensi, Israel should develop a new plan for border defense, especially regarding the buffer zone and the role of the UN Disengagement Observer Force.
However, she stressed that the UN arrangements won’t be sufficient and should therefore be reinforced by additional agreements with the new Syrian regime and perhaps with Türkiye, given its influence over that regime.
Valensi suggested that in some scenarios, some Druze villages on the Israeli-Syrian border could play a security role, given their positive relations with Israel.
She also called for exploring channels of communication with the new administration in Syria to ensure that Israel’s security interests in the Golan Heights and other parts of Syria are protected.
In a related context, the Jerusalem Post reported last December that the Israeli army had contacted officials from Hay’at Tahrir al Sham regarding minor issues, and explained that some messages related to a theft incident by the rebels had resulted in the return of the stolen items within a short period.
On the other hand, Valensi stressed that Israel must make clear through diplomatic channels to the powers of the region that its presence in Syria is temporary, in order to resolve issues that guarantee its security interests.
She pointed out that a period of calm must be agreed upon on the border and that the new Syrian regime must commit to not infiltrating across the border into Israel, in addition to combating the smuggling of weapons through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
It also recommended that the conditions include ensuring that jihadists do not approach Syria’s southern border near Israel, and stressed the need to improve minority rights in Syria.
Valensi also recommended establishing contacts with elements inside Syria, in addition to considering providing targeted humanitarian assistance.
Regarding relations with Türkiye, she called for formulating understandings to avoid portraying Türkiye as an enemy, and for the importance of enhancing dialogue with Jordan and the Gulf states to positively guide the reconstruction of Syria.
Valenci concluded by stressing that Israel needs to strengthen security and diplomatic measures, noting that this period represents a golden opportunity for Israel to contribute to the stability of Syria and enhance its regional and international standing, which will benefit its national security in the coming years.
