Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/mideast-israel-syria-alpha-line-construction-6f1bf012a39f721ab36f33f1c6bea2b6
Isreal has started construction along their Syrian border. On November 5th satelite cameras picked up that they layed asphalt for a road directly along the Alpha Line (a so called line that separates Golan Heights from Syria which has been a large flashpoint between the two states). The images showed ground moving equipment actively digging with asphalt piled next to them. The UN has also confirmed that Isreali troops have entered this demilitarized zone during this work. That means that they are in violation of the cease-fire agreements that governs that area. UN peacemakers, called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force(UNDOF), have patrolled the Alpha Line since 1974. They patrol a roughly 400 kilometer square which is elevated with the ability to see both country’s borders. They report having seen construction along with Isreali officials. The construction began in late September after the completion of Isreals new roads along their Gaza Strip frontier, and so far there has been no major violence. Both Syria and Isreal have refused to comment on this construction, and Isreal is yet to acknowledges the construction.
Iran has remained completely silent, in regards to Isreal’s construction, even though Syria has relied on their support since the begining of their war with Isreal in 1948. This might be able to be explained by fluidity of alliances. If Iran has no incentive to help Syria than they won’t. Iran stopping its aid with Syria could elude to Iran shifting its natural interests. They may no longer align with the conflicts happening in the Alpha Line and therefore they have no need to interfere with said conflicts. Although the line was supposed to be a peaceful spot after the UN instituted the UNDOF, supposedly in June Isreal sent a 71 page letter to the UN describing, “Syrian violations of the Alpha Line and armed presence in the area of separation (that) occur daily.” These new construction actions could be viewed in an offensive realist approach by Isreal. If Isreal is feeling insecure with their borders it would be within their natural interest to protect it. Since mistrust is a key factor of realism this could explain why they are scared of security at the border. By taking a step to take control of that area that would be seeking expansion and power maximization- characteristics described in offensive realism. However this could also contribute to the security dilemma. If Isreal keeps pursuing this it may incline Syria to buff up their side of the border as well. This would in turn make the border more dangerous by attempting to make it less.