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Golan: A Potential New Front in Israel's Confrontation with Hezbollah
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Israel appears to be seeking to establish a new security zone in the Golan, which could lead to a shift in the regional balance of power and increase the likelihood of military escalation

Intelligence and military sources revealed to Reuters that Israeli forces have intensified their activity in the Golan recently. These activities include accelerating the pace of landmine removal and erecting new barriers on the border with the demilitarized zone adjacent to Syria.
The sources explained that these movements may indicate Israel's intention to expand the scope of its ground operations against Hezbollah, while simultaneously strengthening its defenses. It is expected that Israel will seek to target Hezbollah positions from farther east on the Lebanese border, while establishing a safe zone that allows it freedom of movement in monitoring the armed group's movements and preventing infiltration operations.
Any military action - including launching raids from the Golan and possibly from the demilitarized zone separating it from Syrian territory - could widen the circle of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and its ally Hamas. This conflict has already drawn in Iran, with the possibility of also drawing in the United States.
Nawar Shaaban, a researcher at the Istanbul-based Harmoon Center, stated: "The operations in the Golan seem like an attempt to prepare for a wider attack in Lebanon." He added: "Everything happening in Syria aims to serve Israel's strategy in Lebanon - striking supply lines, warehouses, and individuals associated with Hezbollah's supply networks."
An intelligence officer affiliated with the Syrian regime, a regime soldier stationed in southern Syria, and three high-level Lebanese security sources reported that demining operations and other engineering works carried out by Israel have accelerated over the past weeks.
The sources mentioned that the pace of demining increased as Israel began its ground incursion on October 1, 2024, to fight Hezbollah along the mountainous area separating northern Israel and southern Lebanon, about 20 kilometers to the west.
The two Syrian sources and one of the Lebanese sources indicated that during the same period, Israel intensified its strikes on Syria, including the capital and border areas with Lebanon. Russian military units stationed in southern Syria to support Syrian forces there also withdrew from at least one observation post overlooking the demilitarized zone.
The soldier stationed in the south explained that Israel is moving the fence separating the Golan from the demilitarized zone further towards Syria and is establishing fortifications nearby "to prevent any infiltration in case this front ignites."
When asked about the demining operations, the Israeli army responded that it "does not comment on operational plans" and that it is "currently fighting the terrorist organization Hezbollah in order to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes."
In a related context, the two Syrian sources and one of the Lebanese sources reported that Russian forces left the Tel al-Hara site, the highest point in Daraa governorate in southern Syria and a strategic observation point. A Syrian military officer attributed the Russians' departure to understandings with the Israelis to avoid clashes.
Levant-Agencies
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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