Context:
Recently, Israel has fired retaliatory rockets after three rockets had been launched towards Israel from Syria.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Recent Conflict in Israel and its Neighboring Countries
- Timeline of Conflict between Israel and Syria
- India’s Position in the Syrian-Israeli Conflict
Recent Conflict in Israel and its Neighboring Countries:
- Tension due to ultra-nationalist government in Israel
- Raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem by Israel leading to rocket attacks from Lebanon, Gaza Strip, and Syria • Israel’s fear of Iran stationing its fighters and weapons near its borders via Syria
- Israel’s strikes in Syria targeting Iranian-linked figures and infrastructure, including airports in Damascus and Aleppo
- Complexity of the situation with multiple actors and competing interests
- Ongoing conflicts resulting in displacement of millions and loss of countless lives
- International community calling for calm and peaceful resolution, but uncertainty prevails.
Timeline of Conflict between Israel and Syria:
- Six-Day War in 1967: Israel seized Golan Heights from Syria, which it has occupied since then.
- Yom Kippur War in 1973: Syrian forces attempted to recapture Golan Heights but failed.
- Israel’s Golan Heights Law in 1981: Israel passed a law effectively annexing Golan Heights, which was declared null and void by the UNSC.
- Failed Negotiations in 2000: Israel and Syria attempted to negotiate a settlement but failed.
- Syrian Civil War in 2011: Conflict between Israel and Syria escalated after the start of the Syrian civil war.
- Iran’s Involvement: Iran emerged as a key player in the conflict and provided support to Syrian President’s regime.
- Targeted Strikes in Syria: Israel has been accused of carrying out targeted strikes in Syria in recent years, with recent attacks raising concerns of escalation.
India’s Position in the Syrian-Israeli Conflict:
- India maintains a balanced position and urges all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through negotiations.
- India supports Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposes external interference in its internal affairs.
Implications of Conflict for India:
- The conflict could impact India’s energy security as it heavily relies on oil imports from the Middle East, including Syria.
- Any disruption in oil supply could have significant economic consequences.
- The conflict could also have security implications for India as extremist groups in the region may exploit the situation to further their agenda.
- India’s significant Muslim population could be impacted, and sectarian tensions could rise if the conflict escalates.
-Source: The Hindu
