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Conflicting Accounts About Extent of Israeli Incursion into Syrian Territory
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Contradictions in Official Statements and Field Information Indicate Israel's Attempt to Obscure Scale of Military Operations in Syrian Depth
Information sharply varied regarding depth of Israeli military incursion into Syrian territory, despite Tel Aviv's admission of entering demilitarized zone. Israeli army spokesman Tuesday emphasized forces' non-intervention in Syria except through border protection measures.
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated recent Israeli movements "came to prevent strategic weapons falling into hostile hands," dismissing Israeli forces' spread toward Damascus.
Shoshani admitted occupation forces breaching demilitarized zone between Syria and Golan, explaining forces remain in buffer zone except for "some additional points" in its vicinity.
Three security sources claimed early today Israeli military incursion extending nearly 25 kilometers southwest of Damascus, according to Reuters.
Sources reported Israeli forces penetrating 10 kilometers reaching Qatana city in southern Rural Damascus, located ten kilometers east of demilitarized zone, while Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath sources denied Israeli forces' "Qatana" area storming.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari denied incursion reaching 25 kilometers from Damascus, confirming Israeli forces not exceeding buffer zone.
Worth noting, storming 75-kilometer border-length buffer zone, from Mount Hermon to Jordanian border, represents clear violation of 1974 Disengagement Agreement between sides.
Levant-Agencies
