Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, left, Avigdor Liberman, center, and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot take part in an honor guard at the Israeli army’s Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv on October 16, 2017. (Ariel Hermoni/Israeli Defense Ministry)
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu allegedly told Israel that Moscow has agreed to support a buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border, where Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to enter, on October 18, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
According to Al-Awsat, Russia had refused the Israeli request for a 40 kilometers (25 miles) buffer zone, but expressed willingness to extend a 10-15 kilometer off-limits zone.
The report has not been confirmed by any Israeli or Russian official sources. However, it was widely spreaded in the Israeli media and their Western counterparts.
Russia, which views Tehran as a key player in resolving the crisis in Syria, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the role Iran plays in the war-torn country. As the war in Syria seems to be winding down in Assad’s favor due to Russia’s intervention, Israel fears that Iran will aid Hezbollah to strengthen their foothold in Syria, including in Golan Heights.
Hours before Shoygu landed in Israel, Israeli fighter jets attacked a Syrian anti-aircraft missile battery stationed some 50 kilometers east of Damascus which had allegedly fired on Israeli planes in Lebanese airspace earlier that morning. While Russia was updated about the incident in real time, the incident overshadowed the meeting and caused some tension between the officials. Shoygu allegedly considered it a “dangerous hostile operation that almost caused a severe crisis.” Still, this did not stop the negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized a US-Russian cease-fire deal in South Syria, saying that it does not include any provisions to stop Iranian expansion in the area.
Israeli officials have repeatedly voiced concerns over the growing Iranian presence on its borders. Shoygu told Israeli officials that the 40 km demand was unrealistic and that Iranian and Hezbollah troops have not approached the border since Russian troops entered Syria, saying that therefore the request was “exaggerated” and “superfluous.”
At the same time, Isael and Israeli-linked media have been conducting a large-scale media campaign aimed to show that Russia, Iran and Syria may have some unsolved differences and Moscow may support Tel Aviv over its actions in Syria. Unfortunately for Israel, this campaign has little common with the real military and diplomatci situation in the region.
Constant ineffective attempts of Israeli leadership to achieve a public Russian support over the issue are only one of the problems faced by Tel Aviv. So, fake news about the Russian support to a long-awaited Israeli “buffer zone” could be seen by some Israeli diplomats as a useful tool to save the face.
Even if the allegations are confirmed, the extension of the buffer zone is insignificant in the grand picture of things. Israel has asked Russia numerous times to interfere with Iran in order to decrease the Tehran’s influence in the region. Tel Aviv wants to be invited to the US-Russia negotiations regarding the post-ISIS future of the region, although this doesn’t seem likely to happen given the latest developments. Even if Moscow was willing to help Tel Aviv, it’s already cast it lot with Damascus and Tehran, and the interests of the three powers intertwine.
If true expect it’s complaints over Syrian soldiers on the border.
HOW ABOUT RETURNING THE GOLAN HEIGHTS??? Fucking Russia is really double faced as of right now
Would you like Syrians to start dying in the new war already?
Genie Energy can drill baby drill that Golan oil now. Dick Cheney will party unless he is getting another Borg implant for his heart. Syria is trashed,…..no one’s running pipelines anything thru Syria. Putin sits in the Oil,Nat/Gas driver seat now. Europe can buy US LNG at 3x cost….Putin just grins. Israel wants undersea pipeline route from its offshore gas fields, …but the Jews dont wanna pay for that. ….they want everyone else to pay. If you hear crying behind the door,…that’d be the French who lost their narcotics racket which included, Turkey, Kurds,Syria and the Lebanon. CIA will fly Opium around in V 22 Ospreys. ….part of the reason US has bases in Kurd Syria and Kurd Iraq….same agenda for Afghanistan
1897, 1917, 1947, 1967, 1997, 2007, 2017, 2047
Check what happened historically in these years, analyse the pattern and understand why Israel is going ape shit. They are into Kaballah and numerology so they know time is no longer on their side in this last and final phase (3).
Agreed…..the Talmudic snake worshippers are deep into the darkside of the Occult (That which is hidden) The truly disturbing theme they follow ,mirrors the Masonic and the Christian Apocalypse. All look forward to the planet getting obliterated. …before their God shows up to rule all.
israel and the druze know how to develop golan. it will continue.
Another “chunk” of Syria is gone, when reality sinks in to those who belvei this is good for Syria
ONLY IRAN-haters and Zionists will support this move.
On the pretext of buffer zone actually Israeli refugees annexing land from surrounding countries. This is Israeli intelligent strategy and its work fantastically.
Yes indeed, it does
the guy in the center of the picture above with the blue tie with white stripes looks like a pig..Is it a pig?
That would be Avigdor Lieberman is a Soviet-born Israeli politician who serves as the Defense Minister of Israel. I do wonder if Russia allows dual citizens?
Where is provisions to stop Israeli expansion in the ME including Palestinians inalienable rights?
Russian double dealing coming to the surface for those who are still in denial.
Israel gets to sit on more Syrian Golan it just stole since the conflict began. Not a word by Putin/Lavrov to leave Golan as mandated by several UNSCRS.
You fight your battles one by one, if possible. There is absolutely no advantage in opening multiple fronts all at once. Keep your friends close, and enemies closer, always giving them hope that by working with you they will promote their interests more than fighting with you. Russia doesn’t have unlimited resources to waste, like US, so they have to work cheapest way to achieve their goals. It is not always pretty, and you have to close your nose, but it is effective and it works.
If**….there were No Rich Elite Jewish Oligarchs at the Pyramid top of Russia, No pictures of Putin and the Chabad Lubavitch cult, No Rothschilds Central Bank in Russia,
Then I’d Agree with you. Putin is entangled. ….The disease/virus/monster in the room …is obvious.
Jews are only a tools in this game…
Nicely said..
Some Russian attitudes are really disgusting. Licking the balls of these scoundrels Zionists, make deals with the murderers of Saudi Arabia, continue to call “partners” the American parasites… what’s missing?
Would you rather they shoot iskanders on them?
Not at all! It is not necessary. C’mon, Dawn! After all these years, you still do not know the American scoundrel modus operandi? They are coward and incompetent: if Russia firms her foot, speaks loud and takes a strong stand, the American parasites run away. They are accustomed to bully weak countries that can not defend themselves. If Russia or China or Iran start hitting, they back off, despite some innocuous saber rattling and sissy hysterical screams BTW, I don’t think anyone should even respond to the US: if Trump (or any of his morons) says something about Iran, Iran simply has to make fun of it; if North Korea is verbally attacked, Piongyang must laugh and call him an idiot; if Russia is the target, respond as if responding to a stupid child. That’s the way to make the US a bigger joke than it already is.
i know, you know.. but this stand would gain nothing for Russia in the long run – even if she could afford it -… apart from real possibility, that spiral of hostility would get out of hand… Putin will not risk global doom just for more spectacular show.. Methods he and Russia is using when dealing with western bandits have paid of until now – for 17 years! He is not playing local poker game.. This is a global chess!
I desagree, Dawn. If Russia had firms her foot since the alcoholic idiot Yeltin left power and Putin got it, things would be different today. But Russia has never had red lines ever since. Not even today. Russia would gain at least self respect.
I think you underestimate state of decay Russia was left after Yeltsin period… Putin was left with state falling appart and enemies outside and INSIDE of Russia! Full of them.. He worked his way up slowly, dealing and making compromises with oligarchs, extremists and western states that wanted Russia destroyed. I sugest you read something about this period.. This strategy worked and miracolousy saved Russia! I would rather bet on his working strategy than lifted fist ala Zhirinovsky… Confrontation is one way ticked – that is exactly what USA is using..
And since you mentioned Red line: look where is red line drawed by superpower USA in Syria vs Putin strategy..
It is referred to as “Diplomatic Language” , the idea being if you call him a partner , rather than a .ucking a holle , he/she might at least listen to any ideas you have . Polite , does not imply the idea of “like” , even if you say “my good friend” . Generally the more polite , the less the “like”.
Also, it is becoming general knowledge that when Russians use word “partners” in relations with western countries, that real meaning is somewhat different :) I think it means “pitiful colleagues” or “pitiful puppets” :)
Sure, Ronald. I agree on politeness. But Russia takes this to the point of subservience …and THIS is disgusting.
Fucking crushed it into the upper deck : ) ( baseball )
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBDqT1KXYAA6ULB.jpg
Russia has a Jew problem. ……again!
please dont be naive saying that russia is double faced this thing is for the sake of the syrian allies interest.
Sure, we have seen to what Yoga extent they are willing to go in preventing the delivery of advanced air defence systems to Syria or modern airplanes. You have to be extremely naive.
In case you forgot: Lavrov support Kurdish independence referendum and Rosneft signed pipeline agreements with KRG bypassing the central government in Baghdad. So obviously, Putin/Lavrov want to create a Rojava.
Stop spreading BS here! Lavrov never supported Kurdish referendum. And you also lie that Rosneft will sign with Kurds without Bagdad – they are not THAT stupid. There is a sharing of revenues between Kurds and Bagdad. It was signed with autonomy within Iraq and not with imaginary entity Kurdistan.
https://in.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-kurds-referendum-russi/russia-becomes-iraq-kurds-top-funder-quiet-about-independence-vote-idINKCN1BV1IX
Thats reuters assumptions presented as facts – not even funny. That was reported before the referendum. When it happened Russian official position is that things should be done according to Iraq constitution and within Iraq boarders.
Reuters // Rothschild
Before smearing Russia anymore, i suggest to all of you to read again and again until you actually understand what is written there!! ” buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border, where Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to enter ” – what is so wrong about it?? Unless you prepare to attack and want to have a massing of Iranian and Hezbollah soldiers there? Syrians troops will be stationed there dont worry… in exchange no bombing no flying over Syria probably stopping support for terrorists.. Is it a bad deal?
exactly if they do this the Israelis wont have a reason to violate Syrian air space as long as “its borders are not in danger”
What Israeli border? You mean Palestinian border. There is no problem between Palestine and Syria but there is a big problem between Syria and Israeli decoyeds the mother of all terrorists.
Exactly and Israeli PAST ACTIONS speak for themselves.
There will NEVER be PEACE as long as that FAKE entity, on STOLEN Palestinians land called Israel exists……unless of course they end up RULING this planet.
Then it will be the PEACE of SLAVERY
Well said and absolutely correct. Nothing else.
You Jest, right?
The Golan is the buffer zone. It was captured by Israel and is a war prize. They have no business asking anything of anybody, regarding territory that does not belong to them. This is where the idea about a buffer zone should begin, in my view. Return the Golan to Syria and peace might be a step closer.
As long as Iran is involved, there will never be peace between Arabs and Jews.
As long as Israeli refugees present in our world, then there will be continuous butcher strategy of Israel. Now world population would do prayer to Adolf Hitler that what he has done was for the benefit of world communities to protect them from butchers Israel.
Adolf Hitler was finansed and brought into power by same forces that use jews as their lapdogs (and as sicruficial lambs from time to time) in the historical process of concentrating human creative/productive resources in the hands of a fiew. Globalisation is another term used for this process. Mass killing of Goyims by Goyims along with some (much less) ordinary Jews wasn’t for the good of humanity.
Iran is the most peaceful country in MENA, so WTF are you talking about?
You’ve got it all back to front buddy. As long as Israel is involved, there will never be peace between Arabs and Persians . .
I believe You’ll find this very interesting
https://www.rt.com/uk/407061-neo-nazi-gay-jewish/
THAT is NOT the Zionist Jew way.
They always GAIN in every negotiation BECAUSE they make OTHERS compromise, not themselves.
Justice is beautiful concept, but in international relations is often not served and sometimes take decades.. Russia is not in position of power against anglosionists empire and its not Putin way bully anyone… Unless Syria want to start another war right now on multiple fronts and start to rebuild country, they have to reach agreements with all the parties involved…
Hello Dawn. That was very well stated. Rebuilding must take precedence in the near future. I think Hez is going back to Lebanon to get organized and heal and Iran has enough on it´s plate with the direction in which it is moving ( SCO/BRI related/some EU stuff ) after the shooting dies down. Russia is looking at a much bigger playing field and Israel amounts to very little in that realm. So Russia has them well in perspective. Thank you for the reply, it was very polite. I wish you well.
I swear this forum has been invaded by apologists all of a sudden.
Hey Floyd. In my experience Israel is like all others of it´s type, with one face in each direction. They all been self cleaning in the end. The world is passing them by and they realize that. It is clearly marked in their desperation of late. Someday, that country will nolonger exist, as well as their religion having faded into nonexistence. Planets and galaxies are born, live and die. Nothing going on is Israel is above that.
Me personally, I am just observing a much larger occurance. I am not apologizing for things beyond my life. So, I plan to pop a beer tonight and not worry about all this stuff because, in the end it does not matter. Take care and cheers.
Many didn’t seem to understand that concept of deescalation zones that Russia used extensively in Surya. What Russia did is figuretively saying they told to Assad: “we tell you how to do it with what you already have with some help from us in critical areas. Russians planned liberation of Surya as a compain where forces are very limited (Surya still never did total mobilisation – a thing that Russia did in WWII. It either means that population in Surya is disoriented on 1st governing priority (ideology/whats good and what is bad n general terms) and would not support it or I don’t know what also it may mean… May be it’s just not common in that area – to put everything aside and everyone is going to defend his country. With limited force they engaged one enemy/front/target at a time and actually turned the tide of this war and actually liberated very large part of Surya. How it unravels from here – we’ve yet to see. I prefer to wait and see what happens :) Today Putin presented a very significant speach = message to world community and to global predictor during Valdai international meeting. I suggest to listen to it with quality translation.
Israel bufferzone mean butcher zone to murder innocent Syrians in the villages.
nothing of the sort will happens.. besides, Syrian army will have control of this area – read again..
They had control of what is called the “Golan Heights” , once also
Correct
COMPROMISE with Zionist or any PSYCHOPATHS is a losing game. ISRAEL AND U.SA. will only GAIN at someone else’s expense. They NEVER move back,only FORWARD, while, you have moved BACK. You are playing their game now, their way, and…………..
It will COST you DEARLY Mr.Putin
You have started a MARCH on to destruction, if you continue.
I remember CLEARLY when Americans thought TRUMP was a good man, also making COMPROMISES with and FOR Israel
Look where America is headed now.
Maybe Israel DOES DESERVE to win, because they are OUTSMARTING most everyone, and DESTROYING those they cannot outsmart.
o please.. even dutch over there sound more rational.. Putin is playing this “losing” game – making deals with Russia arch enemies – for 17 years already and continue winning, so i think he can handle himself and Russia pretty well in this game..
We shall see, in good time, wont we.
we will.. dont worry.. Syria and Russia have been much worst.. If this is a step back, it is only a judo move :)
No one has the right to stay in their country and make laws that governs another country, especially Israel, when they are supporting and arming rebels and insurrection in the very area they are trying to keep Damascus allies from.. That’s what is wrong about it but you might not get that. Hezbollahs experience and expertise can make a huge difference there.
I get that and agree.. But if Syria and Russia set their immediate goal to a – open confrontation and finger pointing with USA, Israel, SAE, Qatar, Turkey, Kurds, all western countries – do you honestly think that they can win??? Thay have to maneuver, deal when possible, strike when necessary.. Russians and Syria already accomplished miracles with this strategy… It is wrong, but until this world is based on such principles, you have to take them into account.. If fighting will end and UN start to serve its purpose, even Golan heights will return to Syria..
I would rather wait and see what other media say, since as this article rightly points out, the whole thing is based on the allegations of “Asharq Al-Awsat” which is a 40 year old vetted saudi royal family media outlet, owned by Faisal bin Salman. It is unquestionable that some understanding may be reached, but it would be surprising if Russia would accept any deal with Israel which would compromise or risk the investments and hard work of the last 2 years resulting in a successful campaign, which secured its status as a trusted power broker in MEN and as an influencial partner to all (read ALL) regional powers in MEN. And all of that being attained at the fraction (and a ridiculously small one) of what the US always spends to achieve far, far … far less (rather disasters). The US/Israel made so many (criminal and tragic) strategic blunders in MEN but chief of all of them was to align (if not outrightly create and run), facilitate and be complicit in ISIS murderous rampage. However (and thankfully) this has enabled Iran, Russia and most players in the region to come to their senses, to own their fate and to seek to unite against that evil while painting the US as a suspicious and clumsy invader, corned in its lunatic imperial designs and unable to realize it has reached TERMINUS sign on the road to its coveted world domination. The few next months and even years will be very interesting in seeing whether the regional powers are able to capitalize on their recovered importance or whether they will dive, straight and head first, into their usual immature tribal squabbles.
establishing the buffer zone is important. if necessary it can be extended beyond 15k. in the meantime if advanced weaponry is spotted in syria … the idf has a responsibility to diminish it.
Syria would have won a significant part of the war if it succeeds in claiming back the Omar and adjacent gas and oil fields in Deir Ezzur’s East Euphrates banks. Without them Syria is an impoverished third world country completely dependent on foreign aid while its natural resources are being looted by the Western Zionist colonial invaders, theves and occupiers of Syrian sovereign land.
Consider the source. It looks like Jew world order hasbara disinfo:
“Asharq al-Awsat (Arabic: الشرق الأوسط, meaning “The Middle East”) is an Arabic international newspaper headquartered in London. A pioneer of the “off-shore” model in the Arabic press, the paper is often noted for its distinctive green-tinted pages.[2]
The New York Times in 2005 called Asharq al-Awsat “one of the oldest and most influential in the region”.[3] Although published under the name of a private company, the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, the paper was founded with the approval of the Saudi royal family and government ministers, and is noted for its support of the Saudi government.[3] The newspaper is owned by Faisal bin Salman, a member of the Saudi royal family.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asharq_Al-Awsat
It is unfair and ridiculous Israel occupy whole kolan Height but still wants the buffer zone to stretch 40km inside Syria from the occupied land.If Israel withdraw to 1967 borders the buffer zone is possible.
israelis conquered those lands in battle. now it is theirs. and it will probably remain so.
dear Southfront readers, you are little chickens to eat zion propaganda a) Russia can decide nothing without Damascus consent b) United Nations(and Russia) recognize Golan Height part of Syria; 40km from where? c) READ WELL: “The report has not been confirmed by any Israeli or Russian official sources. However, it was widely spreaded in the Israeli media and their Western counterparts.”
Very, very well said.
Why hasn’t Russia stepped up and denied it? Perhaps that should be your viewpoint instead of trying to beat down the story. Why wasn’t there a russian news release or a joint news release as to what transpired during the visit for clarity?
“At the talks, Shoigu and his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman focused on the Syrian crisis. According to Kommersant, during the meeting the members of the Russian delegation told their Israeli colleagues about Russia’s military campaign in Syria and Iran’s contribution to the fight against radical Islamists in Syria. The sides also discussed the four de-escalation zones in Syria, set up with mediation by Russia, Turkey and Iran. Despite protests by Israel, Moscow does not plan any changes to the deal. The Russian Defense Ministry also said the top brass of both countries would discuss military and technical cooperation. However, according to Kommersant, Israel has only shown interest in the Terminator armored fighting vehicle. On Tuesday, Shoigu is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” http://tass.com/pressreview/971045
Correctly said , remember how many times in the past Israeli media tried to peddle such ideas , of an assumed ”special treatment” Israel enjoys by the Russians and Putin . All of them proved to be soon after far-fetched wishful thinking. Netanyahu feels he has to claim something positive for his voters, his tactics in Syria have become a boomerang. He dresses up defeat with the colors of a partial success of sorts.
BS. Israeli propaganda , fails the Truth test , as it would have been a joint statement . Especially with Israel taking out the Syrian AA unit . It was probably everything they could do to stop Shoygu from turning around and flying back home .
Seems like a sound compromise for the both of them.
Russia has nothing to gain from a new war there and nothing to gain if Hezbollah and Iran are stationed there.
Only a fool would not understand the purpose of Hezbollah and Iran wanting to be stationed there. As Russia is no fool, they were able to compromise, as were the Israelis.
For once I actually agree with you. I don’t like the implications for Syrian sovereignty, but in this respect I believe you are correct.
The only chance of the realization of the long sought and carefully planned Anglo-Zionist ambitiousness in the region is to drag the USA into an all out war with Syria, Russia and Iran.
Horse trading going on. Does Syria get their sovereignty back in exchange?
Well good question. RU are very quiet operators. It’s very hard to know what they are up to until it’s done. However ti’s slowly emerging that IR will be the biggest loser in the game. Who needs enemies with allies like this.
I disagree to some extent. I think Iran may actually benefit from such a buffer zone – it gives Is less reason to attack them
Zionist entity will be attacked sooner or later and it will cease to exist.
Probably. But they’ll drag us all down with them….
RU has a long track record of Zionist coop. Iran is not going to be happy. Also the RU general has been talking about Zio RU military technical cooperation. Dismantling of Zionist state is not on Putin’s cards. It will prove his downfall like in any other time in RU history. History lessons forgotten.
the downfall of those trying to divide Syria and its allies will come much sooner, have no doubt
huh!
Buffer zone for Iran and Hezbollah…but safe zone for Al qaeda/ ISIS/FSA near Israeli border!…by the way Iran has a base in Hama where ballistic missile are hiding near Russian S-300/400 bases!
If Israel wants a buffer zone let them create it on Israeli ground. Fullstop,
Exactly. Around New York City.
They’re welcome to all of it.
Damascus should invite Tehran to set up a military/logistics base in the Golan Height – on a 99 year lease.
damascus invites you as volunteer in the frontline.
“Israel Strikes Syrian Army In Southern Syria With Spike Missile”…Syria ask Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu for a 40 kilometers buffer zone inside the Israhell occupied territory to buffer from the ISRAHELL AGRESSION.
When in the history of warfare has the defeated enemy dictated the use of the victor’s territory by the victor’s friend? The coalition of the damned may not have any bravery or will to fight terrorism but they’ve certainly got some gall.
That is not a decision that Russia can make, Syrian territorial sovereignty decisions are made by Syria, Russia supports Syrian sovereignty. Sounds more like wishful thinking from israel who are most likely concerned about Golan Heights that belongs to Syria.
you are naive
Your are even worse, stupid beyond comprhension.
Yiu idiot, i see, how likes assad turkish troops in syria. there presence allowed russia and iran. russia for syrians is almast the same like yanks.
Learn to spell you ignorant Pole.
blablabla
That is not Polish……insignificant as you. Do you know what you are? By all accounts obviously not.