Israel Takes Control of the Syrian Golan Heights Buffer Zone: The Conflict and India's Position

The Golan Heights, which Israel has controlled for nearly 60 years, will be a part of Israel "for eternity," according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His remarks were made as opposition to Israel occupying a previously demilitarized buffer zone in Syrian-controlled territory grew.

Netanyahu’s moves came after Syrian rebels declared that they had toppled President Bashar al-Assad after seizing the capital, Damascus, forcing him to flee and bringing an end to his family’s decades-long autocratic rule following over 13 years of civil war. The victory of the Islamist rebels also dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran, key allies of Assad who had backed his regime during critical stages of the conflict.

The Israeli PM said after the downfall of Assad’s regime, the long-established 1974 ceasefire agreement had collapsed, adding that Syrian troops fleeing their positions prompted Israel’s decision to seize control of the area.

Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory.

Over the weekend, Netanyahu directed troops to enter a UN-monitored buffer zone and launch airstrikes on what Israel claimed were regime weapons depots.

On Monday, the United Nations stated that this action violated the 1974 disengagement agreement.

What Is India’s Stance

On Monday, as global powers vied for influence and sought to divide Syria based on geographical proximity, India reaffirmed its support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. India also advocated for a Syrian-led political process that is inclusive of all segments of Syrian society, including Alawites (Hafez al-Assad is an Alawite), Kurds, and other minority groups.