Khaberni - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, "We want to establish a demilitarized zone from Damascus to Mount Hermon," adding that an agreement can be reached with the Syrians but we will adhere to our principles.
Netanyahu stated, "We are determined to defend the Israeli towns near the border, including the northern borders."
During his visit to Sheba Hospital accompanied by soldiers from Brigade 55 who were wounded in the exchange of fire in Syria, Netanyahu said: "What is expected from Syria is the establishment of a demilitarized buffer zone from Damascus to the buffer area, and of course from the approaches of Mount Hermon to the top of Mount Hermon. We retain these lands to ensure the security of Israeli citizens, and this is our obligation. With good faith and understanding of these principles, it is also possible to reach an agreement with the Syrians, but we will adhere to our principles in all cases."
This comes after the Israeli military announced that the forces stationed along the border are on high alert, both defensively and in readiness for any potential developments in the areas of Syria and Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump had earlier stressed the importance of Israel maintaining a strong and genuine dialogue with Syria, and that nothing should happen that could conflict with Syria's development into a prosperous state.
On the other hand, two high-ranking US officials revealed today their concerns about the repeated Israeli strikes on Syria potentially destabilizing the country and undermining hopes for reaching a security agreement between Israel and Syria.
The "Axios" website quoted one of the officials as saying, in reference to Netanyahu: "We are trying to tell Bibi to stop these actions because by doing so he will destroy himself."
According to the report, supporting Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar's efforts to achieve stability and encouraging him to engage in a peace process with Israel are two main elements in the Trump administration's Middle East strategy, where the administration has repeatedly sided with the Damascus government in its conflicts with Israel.
