Indeed, this is a most worrisome development. Much as I would want to see the Israeli/Syrian relationship normalised, returning the Golan to a Syria so closely aligned with Iran seems a huge risk.
If I could conceive of a Golan hand-over effectively separating Syrian interests from Iranian ones in the region - I would be much more sanguine about such a deal. But now, it would bring the Iranian front 25 miles closer to Tel Aviv.
In an era of missiles and jet planes, perhaps 25 miles one way or the other doesn`t affect Israel`s "strategic depth". Still, if Syria wants the Golan badly enough, Israel should make clear the price is not just diplomatic normalisation - which can be withdrawn in an instant - but also Syria`s abrogation of all military, economic and political pacts with Tehran, and the end of Syrian support for Hizbullah and Hamas.
Kind regards.
MV |
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