An IDF tank fired a “warning shot” across Israel’s northern border with Syria on Saturday in response to the Syrian military constructing an outpost in the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights, in violation of the 1974 truce between the two countries.
The truce “prohibits the entry of heavy construction tools or military vehicles into the demilitarized zone,” the IDF stated.
The IDF also filed a complaint with the United Nations peacekeeping force stationed in the Golan Heights, which is responsible for supervising the demilitarized zone.
No casualties were reported as a result of the IDF warning shot. The Syrian construction occurred near the Druze village of Khader. Earlier this month, the Israeli military said it would defend that village against Syrian occupation.
Saturday’s incident comes amid increased tension in Israel’s north in recent weeks.
On Nov. 1, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) reportedly attacked a Syrian munitions factory, prompting Syria’s military to retaliate by firing a surface-to-air missile at the Israeli plane that allegedly carried out the strike.
The Israeli military also purportedly struck three Syrian rocket launchers Oct. 21, after several rockets from Syria entered the Israeli Golan Heights. Days before the incident, Israel allegedly destroyed a Syrian anti-aircraft battery after it opened fire on IAF reconnaissance planes.
Russia, the U.S. and Jordan this month reached a cease-fire agreement that would establish a “de-escalation zone” near Israel’s border with Syria. There are conflicting reports over the size of the de-escalation zone, where Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah will presumably not be allowed to operate.
(JNS.org)
{Matzav.com}
