Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again invoked biblical references to justify war crimes and violations of the international law. On Tuesday, Netanyahu revealed that the Israeli army’s latest assault across Syria would be called “Operation Arrow of Bashan.” The campaign, he claimed, aims to “eliminate threats from Syria”.
What Is Bashan?
The term “Bashan” originates from the Bible, referencing a fertile and historically significant region in present-day Syria. Known for its rich pastures and biblical associations, Bashan was a land allegedly conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. By using this name, Netanyahu ties Israel’s modern military assaults to ancient religious narratives, reinforcing a claim of divine entitlement to justify Israel’s colonial ambitions.
The name “Bashan” holds deep historical and biblical significance. It was a fertile region mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its agricultural abundance and strategic importance. The Israelites defeated Og, King of Bashan, and divided the land among their tribes. By naming the operation after Bashan, Netanyahu aligns modern military actions with these historical conquests, framing them as part of a divine plan.
The Israeli army’s latest operation targeted strategic military sites across Syria. Netanyahu claimed the strikes were designed to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of the rebels. However, the assault also reflects broader territorial ambitions.
Netanyahu reinforced Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights, stating, “The Golan Heights will be an inseparable part of the State of Israel forever.” Israeli forces have reportedly violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by invading the demilitarized zone between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights.
Biblical Rhetoric in Military Justifications
This is not the first time Netanyahu has relied on religious texts to rationalize military assaults. During the ongoing Gaza genocide, he has repeatedly quoted the Torah and Psalms, framing the genocide as a “battle between the children of light and the children of darkness.”
Netanyahu has previously invoked the Amalekites, a biblical enemy of the Israelites, to justify wiping out Palestinians in Gaza. He quoted Ecclesiastes, stating, “There is a time for peace and a time for war,” and promised Israeli forces they would fulfill prophecies from the Book of Isaiah.
Netanyahu’s use of religious rhetoric serves to mask Israel’s violations of international law and advance colonial ambitions in occupied territories.
Netanyahu’s repeated use of religious references to justify military operations has drawn sharp criticism. Many see these actions as an attempt to legitimize colonial ambitions under the guise of religious entitlement. The international community continues to express concern over Israel’s violations of international agreements and its impact on regional stability.
UN reminds Israel that Golan Heights Are Occupied Syrian Land
The United Nations reiterated on Tuesday that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory occupied by Israel since 1967. The organization urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty and condemned any violation of its territorial integrity.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated, “We continue to regard the Golan Heights as occupied territory.” He emphasized the UN’s opposition to any actions undermining Syria’s territorial unity.
The remarks followed Israel’s recent incursion into southern Syria, an escalation that comes amid significant changes in the region. “Neighbors should not exploit Syria’s current turning point to encroach on its land,” Dujarric said, referencing recent events in Syria.
The UN also highlighted breaches of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria. This agreement established a buffer zone and prohibited military activities in the area. Dujarric confirmed that Israeli forces remain stationed in three locations within the zone, violating the agreement.
The UN peacekeeping force (UNDOF), tasked with monitoring the buffer zone, reported these violations to Israeli authorities. Dujarric stressed, “There should be no military presence or activities in the separation zone.”
Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and later annexed the area with Donald Trump’s blessing during his presidency, a move never recognized internationally. The UN reaffirmed its stance against this annexation and called on Israel to respect international law.
On Sunday, the Israeli army declared “closed military zones” in the occupied Golan Heights and infiltrated into some Syrian cities. This followed the sudden collapse of the Assad regime by Syrian rebels.
He described Israel’s relationship with the UN as “complex.” Despite this, the UN’s political, humanitarian, and peacekeeping channels “remain open” with Israel.
After the Israeli incursion into Syrian territories, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that “the Golan Heights will forever be an inseparable part of the State of Israel.”
