A somewhat straightforward deal between Israel and Russia on the situation in southern Syria threatens to be derailed this weekend as US officials object to the language. The agreement is designed to allow the Syrian government to retake southern Syria from the rebels without Israel interfering.
The basics of the deal are that Russia agrees to keep Iran and Hezbollah out of those areas in return for Israeli non-interference. As an additional perk, Russia expects Israel to try to help them restore normal diplomatic relations with the US.
US officials, however, say they don’t want Syria retaking the southern territory from the various Islamist rebels under any circumstances. Rather, they say that US policy is to keep the “pressure” on the Assad government.
In theory Israel and Russia shouldn’t need a US imprimatur for this deal anyhow, as the US doesn’t have anything to do with either Russia telling Iranian troops to move, or Israel not attacking southern Syria.
Whether Israel can deliver on promised improved US ties for Russia, however, is something under their control. US officials may decide they find Syrian military progress so objectionable that they refuse to go along with future Israeli efforts, knowing why they’re advocating a rapprochement with Russia.
Well very interesting, Israel wants something, and the USA wants something different. I wonder what the final result will be?
John, Of course the USA will give in like a whipped puppy, if Congress and Prez. Trump have any say in it. 🙂
This is getting more and more obscene, as the USA interferes with every action of anyone it chooses to designate an enemy or even an ally, plus it “sanctions”, ie punishes by bullying, friend or foe and does this with impunity. The world must stop this overtaking of any sovereignty.
Both Syria and Russia have said more than once that it would not allow dismemberment of Syria by politics or warfare.
So if Russia is still on that a goal, Israel cannot do anything to even delay Syro-Russo-Hezbullah main goal to reunite Syria, let alone to prevent it.
For Russia can install S-300s and better in the south of Syria; thus, prevent any bombing by Israel or US-France-UK.
Strong and reunited Syria– also with Golan Heights– would be a strongly influenced by Russia.
And it does not, i think, want any war against Israel. And neither does Jordan, Iran, UAE, Saudis, Egypt, Turkey, America, Americas, ‘stans….
US refuse the Israelis because their ends are objectionable? Make me laugh.