Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 4/25/25 Jason Ditz on Israeli Operations in Syria and Lebanon
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Apr 28, 2025 In this conversation, Jason Ditz, Senior Editor of Antiwar.com, shares his insights on Israel's military operations in Syria and Lebanon. He discusses Syria's new Islamist leader's readiness to engage with Israel and the implications for regional politics. The talk highlights the complexities of Israeli control over the Golan Heights and its strategic goals against Hezbollah. Ditz also analyzes Turkey's ambitions in Syria and the delicate balance of power, making for a compelling look at ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Israel's Real Concern in Syria
- Israel seems more worried about Syrian army equipment falling into jihadi hands than Assad's regime itself.
- The pretext of fighting al-Qaeda often serves to justify Israeli expansion into Syrian territory.
Israeli Control Beyond Golan Heights
- Israel has taken control of much of the demilitarized zone and pushed into Syrian territory up to 10-15 miles beyond the Golan.
- Their presence is more de facto control than formal occupation, involving raids and control over water resources.
Buffer Zone Justification for Land Grab
- Israel justifies its Syrian land grabs as a buffer against HTS, calling it an existential threat.
- Despite HTS's willingness to normalize ties with Israel, hostilities continue to keep Syria an enemy status.
