Israel to overtly attempt to seize territory...Syrian rebels "don't want conflict"

[Anchor]
Taking advantage of the chaotic situation of the Syrian transitional government, Israel, which crossed the border of the Golan Heights to reach Syrian territory, approved a plan to expand settlements on the Golan Heights this time.

The attempt to seize territory is becoming increasingly explicit, with Syrian rebels accusing it of being inappropriate but drawing a line that they do not want conflict.

Reporter Park Young-jin reports.

[Reporter]
Israeli troops crossing the Golan Heights boundaries to demilitarized buffer zone on Syrian territory,

Since the collapse of the Assad regime, troops have been moved, calling it a temporary security measure for border security.

It is the first time in 50 years since the buffer zone was established in 1974.

Ignoring the voices of the international community to withdraw immediately

gave orders to keep troops this winter,
Prime Minister
Netanyahu even approved an $11 million settlement expansion plan, saying he would double the population of the Golan Heights.

"Strengthening the Golan Heights is strengthening Israel," he said.

Israel has also carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syria's strategic weapons facilities, saying it would prevent Hezbollah from rearmament.

Hezbollah's supply routes through Syria have been cut off, and Iran, which supports Hezbollah, has strongly criticized Israel.

[Josein Salami / Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards] Israel will pay a heavy price, and it will be buried in Syria. However, it will take some time.]

Israel also says its target is Hezbollah,

He stressed that he does not want clashes with Syria, his former enemy.

[Benyamin Netanyahu / Prime Minister of Israel] We are not interested in confronting Syria. Israel's policy toward Syria will be determined by the new realities on the ground.]

Syrian rebels have condemned the Israeli military's presence in the buffer zone, but have drawn a line that they do not want a new conflict, saying reconstruction and stability are the priority for now.

Analysts say it is intended to recognize the legitimacy of governance in the international community while avoiding clashes with Israel, which is taking the reins of military operations.

I'm Park Youngjin of YTN.


Video editing: Kim Hyun-jun