Separated for decades, Assad’s fall spurs hope for families split by Golan Heights buffer zone
Associated Press2 days
Israeli Forces Fire on Syrian Protesters
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Above: An Israeli army tank takes position in the Syrian town of Madinat al-Baath, in the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on Dec. 20, 2024. Image copyright: Aris Messinis/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli forces fired on protesters in southern Syria on Friday, wounding one. The protest was reportedly in response to Israeli soldiers who seized a Syrian army base preventing local farmers from accessing their fields.
The Israeli military confirmed the incident, saying that soldiers called on protesters to move back and "identified a threat that required action to remove," without elaborating.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel has assured the US that its recent moves in the Golan Heights will be temporary, as Israel is responding to legitimate security concerns in Syria. Neither Israel nor the US want to see Assad's strategic weapons fall into the hands of extremists, and Israel's actions will help ensure stability and security for everyone in the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel has no desire to cause harm to those living in southern Syria, but it will ensure the security of its forces. Israeli soldiers followed procedures and dispersed protesters without killing anyone. Syrian civilians should understand that Israel does not want further conflict with them.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Syrians, like Palestinians, are demanding that Israel end its occupation of their land. Israel, which is occupying Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian land, is clearly the aggressor in this situation, yet tries to play the victim. Syrians will never accept Israel's aggressive posture toward their country.
