On May 10, 2018, at the Bental observation point in the Golan Heights, an Israeli soldier looked down towards Syria. According to exclusive information obtained by Reuters, the Israeli military is actively clearing landmines and constructing new defensive structures in the area between the Golan Heights, which Israel occupies, and the adjacent non-military zone in Syria. This suggests that Israel may be preparing to expand its ground operations against Hezbollah.
Sources indicate that these Israeli actions may signal a potential shift in strategy, as Israel appears to be planning to strike Hezbollah from regions further east of the Lebanese border for the first time. This would also involve establishing a secure area that would allow Israeli forces to monitor Hezbollah’s movements and prevent infiltration.
While media outlets have reported on the Israeli military’s demining efforts, additional details from Syrian soldiers stationed in southern Syria, Lebanese security officials, and United Nations peacekeeping agents reveal that Israel is advancing the non-military zone (DMZ) fence towards Syria and excavating further defensive positions in the area.
Military operations, such as raids from the occupied Golan Heights and the non-military zone, could escalate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Iran’s involvement in this situation raises the possibility of U.S. intervention.
Navvar Saban, a conflict analyst at the Harmoon Center in Istanbul, stated that the Israeli military’s activities in the Golan Heights seem to be a preparatory step for more extensive ground operations in Lebanon.
He explained, “All actions occurring in Syria are designed to align with Israel’s strategy in Lebanon, targeting supply routes, warehouses, and individuals connected to Hezbollah’s supply lines.”
