The United Nations is evaluating the option of arming its military personnel of the multi-national force stationed in the Golan Heights UNDOF, so that the forces would be able to defend themselves and civilians in the area where they operate. According to reports verified by TV7 sources, the United States and Russia are currently discussing the idea of setting up a safe zone on the Syrian Golan region, adjacent to the border with Israel, in order to fend off the growing influence of Iranian backed militias operating in the war-torn country.
The option of establishing such a safe zone on the Syrian Golan region is closely monitored by Israel, which frequently communicates on the matter with both Washington and Moscow. Jerusalem is concerned that Iran and its Lebanese-proxy Hezbollah would take advantage of the safe-zones, by setting up military posts near Israel’s northern border. A senior Israeli intelligence official told TV7 on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, that Iran’s attempts to establish a presence on Israel’s northern border is crossing a redline, which may force Jerusalem to act as part of its ongoing effort to preserve the national security interests of the Jewish state – a message Israeli officials conveyed to both Washington and Moscow.