Israel fears Hezbollah presence near Golan

Syrian troops along with pro-Assad Hezbollah forces have managed to push the rebels back and are making progress towards other strategic locations

Photo credit: Reuters/Channel 2 News

Assad's regime in Syria has been carrying out an assault on the Syrian rebels for a week now, joined by pro-Assad Hezbollah forces under Iranian command. Deputy Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem said on Saturday this operation is expected to have "very significant achievements." Officials in Israel fear Hezbollah will gain control over the southwestern-Syrian city of Quneitra, which is located near the border with Israel, and use it as a strategic location to launch terror attacks.

The Syrian troops together with Hezbollah have so far been successful in pushing back the opposition fighters. They have captured two strategic hills and a few villages, and are making progress towards Tel Al-Harra, which is currently controlled by the rebels.The assault is taking place about 10km away from the Golan buffer zone. The forces' next move remains to be seen. They might choose to go southward towards the Jordanian border or continue further west towards the Golan. Israel has made it clear it will not allow Hezbollah to establish a base in southern Syria. Hezbollah has denied seeking any military presence there.