From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 9, 2024
US backs Israel’s seizure of Syrian side of Golan, says it’ll ensure it is temporary
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
The US defends the recent Israeli takeover of the Syrian side of the Golan Heights while stressing that it expects the move to be temporary, as Israel has said it will be.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explains during a press briefing that the Syrian army abandoned positions on its side of the Golan Heights amid the collapse of the Assad regime over the weekend and notes that this created a potential vacuum that could’ve been filled by terror organizations that threaten Israel.
Justifying the move by the IDF, he says any country would be concerned and want to take action to prevent such a vacuum from being created.
However, he highlights Israel’s public claims that the takeover of the Syrian side of the Golan Heights is temporary. Miller says the US will be monitoring Israel’s presence and speaking to Israeli counterparts to ensure that the IDF takeover doesn’t become permanent.
Ultimately, the US seeks the restoration of a 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria that would allow for Israel to return to its side of the Golan Heights.
The Times of Israel Community.