Israeli Army Leads Tours in Occupied Syrian Territory

Israel's military is organizing guided tours for civilians into newly occupied Syrian territory, specifically in the Golan Heights, as part of an initiative to promote tourism and heritage following the recent regional conflicts. The tours, which will run during the Passover holiday, involve military escorts and travel up to 2.5 kilometers into areas previously off-limits, raising concerns among critics who view this as an attempt to normalize Israeli control over contested lands. Participants will explore historically significant sites, including the Shebaa Farms and the Ruqqad river valley, with the military emphasizing the importance of restoring tourism in the region post-conflict. This initiative comes amid intensified Israeli military operations in southern Syria, including airstrikes and ground incursions, which have resulted in civilian casualties and heightened tensions. The UN has expressed concern over these activities, citing violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria, while local residents report an increasing Israeli military presence and disruptions to their lives. Critics argue that these developments threaten Syria's fragile political stability and undermine efforts for peace in the region.