Israeli Forces Cross into Syria via Golan Heights for the First Time in 50 Years

Israeli army tanks are positioned in an area of Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on May 29, 2024. Photo: AFP

Israeli officials report that the army has crossed the Golan Heights into Syria for the first time in 50 years.

According to the New York Times, Israeli troops have advanced into Syrian territory, marking their first entry into the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights since 1973.

Officials stated that earlier this week, airstrikes were launched on Syrian military capabilities, which Israel believed could pose a threat if acquired by the current Syrian opposition forces.

U.S. media reported that the targeted military assets included small chemical weapons stockpiles, radar-equipped batteries, Russian air defense systems, and Scud missiles.

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the army to take control of the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights. According to the official Israeli channel, the army has also secured Mount Sheikh on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights.

The Israeli army has controlled the Golan Heights since 1967. In 1974, an agreement between Syria and Israel established the borders of the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights.