Syria Accepts Israel's Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon as a Complete Withdrawal

Strategic Insights -

A United Nations envoy said that Syria is ready to accept Israel's retreat from southern Lebanon, which could lessen the possibility of renewed violence along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The envoy, Terje Roed-Larsen, met with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara of Syria and stated that they were in "full agreement" on the withdrawal. This move suggests that Syria is avoiding a potentially costly increase in tensions in the Middle East by not challenging the United Nations over verification of Israel's withdrawal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Syria has agreed with the United Nations report that Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon complies with Security Council Resolution 425, which calls for Israel's withdrawal from land it occupied in 1982.
  • The Syrians have decided not to challenge the United Nations over verification of Israel's withdrawal, suggesting a desire to avoid increased tensions in the Middle East.
  • Hezbollah, the main guerrilla movement in southern Lebanon, has threatened to continue attacking Israelis if Shabaa Farms is not returned, a piece of territory about 10 square miles at the far southeastern corner of Lebanon.
  • The Lebanese government has echoed the Hezbollah threats, but is also tied to Syria, which has some 30,000 soldiers and an undisclosed number of intelligence agents in Lebanon.
  • The ownership of Shabaa Farms is a matter to be decided between Syria and Lebanon, with Lebanese officials stating that they want all their land restored, regardless of when it was occupied.

Statistics:

  • 10 square miles: The size of the disputed territory of Shabaa Farms.
  • 30,000: The number of Syrian soldiers in Lebanon.
  • 1982: The year Security Council Resolution 425 was issued, calling for Israel's withdrawal from land it occupied.
  • 1967: The year Israel captured Shabaa Farms after its war with its Arab neighbors.
  • 7: The number of small rivers that feed into the Jordan and converge in a depression of the Shabaa Farms land.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Syria Accepts Israel's Withdrawal as Complete"
  • The Jerusalem Post, "Syria, Lebanon at odds over Shabaa Farms"
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 425
  • The Lebanese Press Agency, "Syria backs Lebanon's claim to Shabaa Farms"
  • The Associated Press, "Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon nears end, but disputes remain"