Israel has put forward a new initiative aimed at resolving security issues on the border with Syria. Tel Aviv has passed a detailed plan to Damascus that could radically change the balance of power in the region. The key provisions of the document envisage the creation of extensive demilitarized zones on Syrian territory in exchange for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli units.
According to the proposed plan, the territory southwest of Damascus, up to the border with Israel, will be divided into three special zones. In each of them, a different regime of presence for Syrian forces will be in effect, limiting the number of personnel and types of weapons.
To ensure security, Israel has put forward several specific conditions. First, it is proposed to expand the existing buffer zone by two kilometers into Syrian territory. Secondly, in the strip directly adjacent to the border, the deployment of army units and heavy equipment will be prohibited – only representatives of the Syrian police and internal security forces will be able to be there. Thirdly, the entire airspace from the southwest of Damascus to the Israeli border must be declared a no-fly zone for Syrian aviation.
In response, Israel is ready to begin a phased withdrawal of its troops from Syrian territory. However, one strategically important exception will remain – Israeli control over the peak of Mount Hermon will be retained. In addition, the agreement provides for Israel to maintain freedom of action in the airspace of Syria to conduct operations against terrorist threats.
At the moment, there has been no official reaction from Damascus to this proposal. It is expected that a detailed discussion of the initiative will take place today, September 17, in London at a meeting between the Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, and the head of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Asad al-Sheikhani.
